Fancy getting through immigration in a blink of an eye?
GERRY BOLGER updates us on IRIS
The UK Border and Immigration Services has now launched the Iris Recognition Immigration System.
IRIS is a fast and secure way to clear immigration, offering a method of securely recognising someone by the pattern of his or her iris. The iris is the most personally distinct external physical characteristic.
It’s all to do with biometrics, the technique of recognising a person’s identity from a physical characteristic (like a fingerprint or iris pattern) or a personal trait (such as voice pattern or handwriting).
IRIS clearance requires a photograph to be taken of the iris pattern which is converted into a digital code which is then compared against iris codes stored in a secure database.
Successfully enrolled passengers can enter the United Kingdom through automated immigration control barriers after looking into an iris recognition camera. These barriers are located at immigration arrival halls and form part of Immigration and Passport Control.
The enrolment process takes approximately five to 10 minutes. Crossing the IRIS barrier to enter the UK takes approximately 20 seconds.
IRIS has been installed at Heathrow terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4, Manchester terminals 1 and 2, Birmingham terminal 1 and Gatwick North and South. Heathrow terminal 5 will have two IRIS gates for its opening in March.
The UK is at the forefront of plans to use the latest technology in immigration controls. For more information and details of how to register go to www.iris.gov.uk