IRIS fast track for airport passengers

Frequent travellers to the UK can now take advantage of advanced biometric technology at Heathrow Airport, following the launch of the Iris Recognition Immigration System (IRIS) which enables registered passengers to enter the UK without queuing to see an immigration officer at passport control.

Terminal 1 is the third terminal to install this technology since June of last year. Speaking at the launch of the new system, Immigration Minister Tony McNulty said: “For the first time frequent travellers and non EU citizens will be able to enter the country via Terminal 1 quickly and securely by using IRIS technology.

“With more than 97 million people entering the UK in 2005, it is important that the UK remains at the forefront of the latest technology in immigration controls and the Government’s commitment to project IRIS demonstrates that. Secure and effective border controls are vital to safeguard our citizens against terrorism, serious and organised crime and illegal immigration, while at the same time facilitating entry for legitimate travellers.”

British Airways Manager for Government Affairs, Jim Forster, added: “Iris recognition will compliment other BA initiatives such as check-in online and print your own boarding card from home, which substantially reduces the amount of time our customers need to spend in queues at the airport.”

The registration for the scheme is handled by immigration officers and takes about five minutes to scan a new applicant’s iris. The scheme is part of the e-Borders programme, which is a joint initiative co-ordinated by the Home Office in partnership with key border control, law enforcement and intelligence agencies. More information on the IRIS system can be obtained from the website at www.iris.gov.uk.