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Today Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, launched a series of training courses for border guards on automated border control (ABC). This technology is complementary to a manual border control process and is based on the use of electronic travel document and biometrics to verify the authenticity of the document and passenger’s identity in an automated way, that is to verify if a traveller is the one whom he/she claims to be. ABC systems are already extensively used at airports in 16 EU member states and are expanding to other type of borders.

During the two-week course that takes place in Lisbon, 56 officers from 27 EU Member States  and selected experts from Frontex and eu-Lisa will be given a comprehensive training in this important area of border control.   

The first line officers (border guards responsible for passport control) will focus on the principles of ABC systems, operation of automatic gates, role of biometrics in identity verification systems and possible vulnerabilities.

During the advanced-level training experts will focus on assessment, testing and mitigation of security risks in ABC systems.

The training courses include different elements such as trainer’s manuals, face-to-face training with a practical component and an on-line self-directed training tool to be used at the national level.

This is the first harmonised training on ABC systems ever developed. It was put together by Frontex in cooperation with Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF), the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and many national and international experts.

Over the years, automated border control has proven to be an efficient and reliable part of the border control process.  As the volume of passengers crossing international borders increases, the role of ABC continues to grow. This is why border guards responsible for border checks at airports need to have a clear understanding of the complex landscape of ABC procedures and functionalities, as well as the associated risks and vulnerabilities.

Frontex became involved in the field of automated border control in 2007. Since 2010, it has facilitated the ABC Working Group composed of experts from EU Member States and non-European countries to harmonise efforts and identify best practices. Frontex has also been organising ABC Workshops and Global ABC conferences to promote international cooperation in this field.