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Frequent Travellers Benefit from New IRIS Recognition Technology

19th October 2006 After successful trials at London Heathrow, the Iris Reconigition System has now been installed at Manchester and Gatwick airport. Frequent travellers from the UK and abroad can benefit from a faster, simpler way to pass through immigration control as this new technology comes into use.

The Iris Recognition Immigration System (IRIS) will now enable registered passengers to enter the UK without queuing to see an immigration officer at passport control. Instead individuals signed up to the scheme will be able to walk up to an automated barrier, simply look into a camera and if the system recognises them enter the UK, leaving immigration officers to concentrate on other priorities.

This biometric technology works by photographing a passenger’s iris patterns and storing the data in a database, together with their passport details. Only those individuals who have had their details authenticated by an immigration officer are able to use the technology. As no two iris patterns are alike, the system will quickly and securely recognise each registered individual when they look into the camera.

Travellers can apply in person at the enrolment station in the airports' departure lounge and will need to provide their passport along with satisfactory evidence of your immigration status in the UK. Travellers will also need to bring take any other documents they normally travel with.

Home Office Minister Andy Burnham said, "With over 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."

IRIS will be rolled out to other UK airports in the near future.

A leaflet detailing the IRIS process can be downloaded from :
www.tdtravelgroup.com/docs/iris.pdf

Further Information:
www.iris.gov.uk/

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