A passage barrier includes at least one barrier element that can be swivelled around a swivelling axis inside a swivelling area; at least one sensor technology that detects the presence of a person in the swivelling area and that comprises at least one sending unit emitting detection waves, at least one reception unit providing output signals and an electronic evaluation unit for evaluating the output signals of the reception unit. The sending unit and the reception unit are located such that a detection wave of the detection waves extends from the sending unit through the barrier element in the swiveling area to the reception unit and wherein the barrier element is at least partially made of a detection wave transparent material. A method is also provided for operating the passage barrier.