The Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Croatia has introduced automated document control gates at three Croatian airports, marking a new step in the modernization of border control and the acceleration of passenger flow. The system in question is the Automated Border Control system, also known as the ABC system, which is already operational at Franjo Tuđman Airport, Saint Jerome Airport, and Ruđer Bošković Airport.
As confirmed to AvioRadar by the Ministry of the Interior, a total of 18 ABC gates were procured as part of the project “Establishment of an Automated Border Control System at Airports (ABC system).” Each of the three airports has been equipped with six units, three designated for entry into the country and three for exit from the Republic of Croatia. The project was financed through the Integrated Border Management Fund, specifically the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy.
The system was first put into operation on March 11, 2026, at Franjo Tuđman Airport, while operational use at Saint Jerome Airport and Ruđer Bošković Airport began two days later, on March 13. As a result, three Croatian airports have been equipped with technology that enables passengers to pass through border control more quickly and easily compared to the conventional procedure.
ABC gates may be used by citizens of European Union member states, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland, provided they hold biometric travel documents, either an identity card or a passport, and are over 12 years of age. In this way, the system is aimed at a large number of passengers who regularly use international flights within the European area, particularly during peak traffic periods when every reduction in border control processing time is of major operational importance.
According to the Ministry of the Interior’s statement to AvioRadar, crossing the border through ABC gates takes less time on average than through conventional border control. The Ministry also emphasized that a high level of passenger satisfaction has been recorded since the system was introduced. In addition, the efficiency, security, and speed of border control have increased, along with the degree of automation of the process itself.
The introduction of automated gates also brings benefits to the airports themselves, as it increases traffic throughput at air border crossings. At the same time, it strengthens the capacity for passenger handling and departures, which is particularly important during peak traffic waves and the tourist season. Faster passenger processing not only means greater convenience for travelers but also better operational organization within terminal facilities.
At a time when passengers increasingly expect digitalized and efficient processes, the introduction of ABC gates represents a logical step toward more modern border crossing management. Croatia is thus joining several European countries that have already been using such systems as a standard part of airport infrastructure for some time.
Although the procurement of ABC systems for other airports in Croatia is not currently planned, the implementation at these three locations has already shown that this is a solution capable of significantly improving the travel experience as well as the operational efficiency of border control. For passengers, this means less waiting, a simpler passage, and a more modern impression when entering and leaving the country, while for the border control system it represents another step toward greater throughput and technological modernization.
