Iris scan system at Heathrow terminal 1 for faster immigration clearance |
|
|
Published
:
Sun, 12 Mar 2006 06:25
|
LONDON: A fast track immigration clearance channel using eye scanners has become operational at Heathrow airport's busiest terminal, terminal 1. The system allows U.K. citizens and some foreigners avoid the more time-consuming passport checks.
Passengers wanting to make use of this fast-track will be required to pre-register photographs of the iris of their eyes. The system, based on biometrics, stores the photographs of the passengers' iris in a database along with their passport details.
The passengers, on arrival at the terminal, are required to look at a camera, which will capture the characteristics of their iris and match them with those stored in the database. Those who are recognised by the system are allowed through the automated barriers in the immigration arrivals hall.
The system, called Iris Recognition Immigration System, has been operational at the airport's terminals 2 and 4 since June. Its extension to terminal 1 is seen as a major step as this terminal is the busiest in the country, handling some 21 million passengers a year.
Immigration minister Tony McNulty said the country expects some 97 million people entering it and it should be ready with the latest technology in immigration controls.
"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," he said. Besides British citizens, frequent foreign visitors and those with leave to remain in Britain can make use of the system.
The system will now be installed at Heathrow terminal 3, Gatwick North and South, Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester Terminals One and Two by the end of this year. The technology costs 2.86 million pounds.
|
|
|
|
| Comments |
|
Mr |
|
Wed, 15 Aug 2007 04:53:18 GMT (
E. Leaver ) |
|
I would like to contact heathrow airport to ask if i can have my iris scanned before I travel in 2008.
However there is no mention if this is possible. Even a contact number would be useful as I would rather br prepared than wait until I am ready to take a flight. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Print this Story
Fingerprint system may dislodge chip-and-pin technology 