Roberta Aguirre
Electronic gates, or eGates, are an innovative technology that automates border control by comparing biometric data from electronic passports with biometric data captured at the gate. eGates are available for European and Italian passengers aged 12 and above, as well as holders of electronic passports from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, China, Brazil, and Australia. They are designed to increase security, reduce passenger waiting times, and improve the overall travel experience. eGates are becoming more common at major international airports, with Rome's airports featuring the largest number of eGates, totalling 89 across Fiumicino and Ciampino airports.
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What You'll Learn
What are eGates and how do they work?
EGates, also known as Automated Border Control (ABC) systems, are automated self-service barriers that use data stored in a chip in biometric passports along with a photo or fingerprint taken at the time of entering the eGates to verify the passport holder's identity. They are available for European and Italian passengers aged 12 or above and holders of electronic passports issued by several countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, China, Brazil, and Australia.
To use an eGate, passengers place their open passport into a scanner. A camera then uses facial recognition technology to compare the passenger's face with the image contained in the passport chip. Some eGates also use iris recognition and fingerprint technology. If the identification process successfully verifies the passenger’s identity, the gate will open; otherwise, the passenger must pass through the border control operated by human Border Agents.
EGates automate border control by comparing biometric data found in electronic passports (ePassports) with biometrics captured at the gate. They are designed to speed up border controls, reduce flight delays, streamline processing times, and increase travellers' check-in times. They also help to accurately collect data and immediately accept or reject boarding passengers, improving passenger convenience.
EGates can be found in airports across Europe, Asia, Australia, and Canada. Rome’s airports currently feature the largest number of eGates, with 89 in total activated in the summer of 2025.
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Who can use eGates?
EGates are automated self-service barriers that use data stored in a chip in biometric passports along with a photo or fingerprint taken at the time of entering the eGates to verify the passport holder's identity. They are available in many countries, including Australia, France, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
To use eGates, eligible passengers must be at least a certain age and hold an electronic passport or identity card from a country that is approved for eGate use at their airport of arrival. The eligible age varies by airport and country, with some sources stating 12 years, others 14, and yet others 16 or 18.
European and Italian passengers aged 12 and above can use eGates. Italian nationals aged 14 and above who hold an electronic identity card (Carta d’Identità Elettronica - CIE) that is valid for foreign travel and issued after February 7, 2018, can use eGates.
UK ePassport gates are available to British citizens and people from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland who have a biometric passport. Children as young as 10 can use ePassport gates in the UK.
US citizens, US legal permanent residents, Canadian citizens, eligible Visa Waiver Program participants, and certain US visa holders can use Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks, which are similar to eGates, in the US.
In Austria, citizens of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Monaco who hold a valid biometric passport may use the E-Gates to enter the country.
At Munich International Airport, Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates passport holders may use EasyPass without registration when entering and leaving.
At Dublin Airport, electronic passport holders of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States aged 18 and above can use eGates in the Flight Connections Area if they are in transit with an onward flight outside the Common Travel Area.
At Brussels International Airport, passengers aged 12 and above with an electronic passport from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt (tourism only), Georgia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, or Turkey may use eGates.
At Rome Fiumicino Airport, passengers with electronic passports from the USA, UK, Canada, China, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, South Korea, Japan, Israel, Mexico, Serbia, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, New Zealand, Singapore, Montenegro, Colombia, Malaysia, and Panama can use eGates.
As eligibility for eGates varies by country and airport, passengers should check the requirements for their arrival airport before departure.
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Where are eGates available?
EGates are available at several airports worldwide, with Rome's airports featuring the largest number of eGates as of summer 2025. There are 89 eGates in total, with 77 at Fiumicino and 12 at Ciampino. eGates are also available at other airports, including:
- Dublin International Airport: eGates are available for passengers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States who are aged 18 or older and in transit with an onward flight outside the Common Travel Area.
- Zurich Airport: Automated passport controls were introduced in May 2018, and they are available for passengers over 18 with biometric passports from Switzerland and European Economic Area member states.
- Vienna International Airport: Citizens of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Monaco with valid biometric passports can use the eGates to enter Austria.
- Brussels International Airport: Passengers over 12 with electronic passports from various countries, including all classes of British nationality, can use the eGates.
- Larnaca and Paphos International Airports: BorderXpress eGates are operated by the Cyprus Port and Marine Police and are available for passengers over 12 with biometric passports.
- Hong Kong: e-Channels are available at all border crossing points for Hong Kong residents with a Hong Kong Identity Card and thumbprint scan.
- Hungary: Automated passport gates are available at some border crossings for passengers over 18 with biometric passports from the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Monaco, and the United Kingdom.
- Luxembourg Airport: There are five ABC eGates at passport control for departures and arrivals.
- Munich International Airport: Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates passport holders may use EasyPass without registration.
- UK: There are over 270 eGates available at 15 air and rail ports for quicker travel into the UK.
It is important to note that the availability and eligibility requirements for eGates may vary by airport and country, and it is recommended to check the website of your destination airport before travelling.
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Benefits of eGates
The global increase in air travel has led to the implementation of improved immigration control systems in airports worldwide. eGates are one such system, designed to achieve higher security levels and greater efficiency in handling passengers. They are automated self-service barriers that use data stored in a chip in biometric passports along with a photo or fingerprint to verify the passport holder's identity.
Faster Passenger Processing
EGates automate border control processes, reducing the time passengers spend at security checkpoints. The process typically takes less than 30 seconds, considerably reducing queues and waiting times.
Enhanced Security
EGates combine fingerprint scanning, facial recognition technology, and human work to enhance security levels at airports. The use of biometrics provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that only authorised individuals can pass through.
Improved Passenger Experience
By reducing waiting times, eGates give travellers more free time to spend in airport retail stores and leisure facilities, enhancing their overall airport experience.
Flexibility and Efficiency
EGates offer greater flexibility in managing passenger flow and airport floor space. They are compact and modular, allowing for efficient use of space and improved passenger management.
Ease of Use
EGates are designed to be user-friendly, with passengers able to undergo biometric verification through facial recognition, iris scanning, or fingerprint scanning. This self-service approach empowers passengers to carry out the checks themselves, making the process convenient and straightforward.
Standardisation
EGates provide a standardised approach to border control, ensuring consistency in security checks across different airports and countries. This helps to create a seamless and familiar experience for travellers, especially those who frequently fly between destinations with eGates.
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Drawbacks of eGates
While eGates are designed to streamline the airport experience, there are several drawbacks to their implementation. Firstly, eGates consolidate various technologies into a single device, resulting in high costs. This makes it challenging for developing countries to adopt them due to financial constraints.
Another drawback is the technical expertise required to maintain and operate eGates effectively. There is a shortage of skilled personnel to manage the complex security infrastructure, which can lead to delays in security checks or inefficiencies in the system. Interoperability between different security systems and devices is also a challenge, as they may be provided by various vendors, causing potential delays and affecting the overall efficiency of security processes.
EGates have also faced public scepticism due to initial technical faults, system breakdowns, and reliability issues when they were first introduced globally. While the technology has improved since then, public trust has been impacted, especially with concerns about accuracy and potential violations of basic human rights. Additionally, specific requirements for using eGates, such as age restrictions and eligibility criteria, may vary across countries, causing confusion for travellers.
Furthermore, eGates are designed for automated border control and verification, but they may not always be suitable for travellers with specific needs or those travelling with children. In such cases, manual intervention by border force officers may still be necessary, reducing the efficiency gains from eGates.
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Frequently asked questions
eGates, or electronic gates, are automated self-service barriers that use data stored in a chip in biometric passports to verify the identity of the passport holder.
Travellers undergo biometric verification using facial or iris recognition, fingerprints, or a combination of these modalities. After the identification process is complete and the passport holder's identity is verified, a physical barrier such as a gate or turnstile opens to permit passage.
eGates are available for European and Italian passengers aged 12 or over. They can also be used by holders of electronic passports issued by countries including the USA, UK, Canada, China, Brazil, Australia, Argentina, and more.
eGates are available at airports in countries including Italy, Australia, France, Mexico, Portugal, the UK, Canada, Austria, and Hungary.
