Iris recognition for travellers at Manchester Airport

Technology to make passage through immigration control faster and simpler has been introduced at Manchester Airport.

The Iris Recognition Immigration System, which allows registered passengers to enter the UK without queuing to see immigration officer, has been introduced at Terminal 1 at the airport.

Individuals who are signed up to the scheme will be able to walk up to an automated barrier, look into a camera and, if the system recognises them, they can then enter the UK.

The 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 will be able to use the technology.

To use the scheme, passengers need to complete a one-off enrolment, which takes around five minutes and is free. Registration is conducted by immigration staff in the departures area of the airport.

Manchester Airport is the second airport in the UK to have Project IRIS introduced. The technology was introduced to Heathrow's Terminal 1 last month, after being piloted in Terminals 2 and 4 in 2005.

The technology will also be installed at Manchester Terminal 2, Gatwick North and South, Heathrow Terminal 3, Stansted and Birmingham during 2006.

Speaking at today's launch, Home Officer Minister Andy Burnham said: "For the first time frequent travellers and non-EU citizens will be able to enter the country via Manchester Airport quickly and securely by using IRIS technology.

"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."

(KMcA)