How do gates work?

[Eraldo03]

I see that now theres two different types of gates for palis. Whats the difference? Which one should I use?

[abt79]

Visitor gates apply the visitor debuff (which stops people from committing ANY crimes regardless of skills/toggles) to anyone who enters them as long as the gate is claimed, and cannot be entered while a player is in combat.

Normal gates apply no debuff but can be entered while in combat.

I’d generally recommend visitor gates, but maybe in a village you’ll want normal gates to ensure friendly people won’t get locked out when they’re under attack/attacking. The best solution is an ‘airlock’ with an outer regular gate, a locked house/minehole so you can lose whatever combat relation you had, then a visitor gate so your enemies can’t enter/can’t commit crimes if they do

[Granger]

Also keep in mind: gates open to the outside, slave keys that only open from the inside (but close from both) can be made from master keys.

[waga]

you basically need 1 of each at least.
you can keep your visitor gates always open ( and build an airlock if you don't want people to snoop around) which allow you to come from outside.
One normal gate is needed in case of emergency , always closed , that you'll open if engaged in combat and need to go inside.
Also you need locks.