Iris Recognition Immigration System (IRIS) is an initiative to provide automated clearance through UK immigration for certain frequent travellers. It is due to be closed sometime after the 2012 Olympics.
IRIS relies on biometric technology to authenticate identity and is part of the e-borders initiative of the UK Government.
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Procedure [edit]
Enrolled passengers can enter the UK through a special automated immigration control barrier incorporating an iris recognition camera. These barriers are located in certain Immigration Arrival Halls and form part of Immigration and Passport Control.
Availability [edit]
Enrolment for the scheme is currently closed, and the scheme is being decommissioned in favour of e-passport entry using biometric data stored on the e-passport chip.
Enrolment took place in the airport departure lounge where an Immigration Officer assesses eligibility and enrols qualifying persons. Those who qualify to participate in the scheme have both their eyes photographed in order to capture their iris patterns. This data is then stored securely alongside their personal details.
As of February 2013, IRIS is only available at Heathrow Terminals 3 and 5.[1] All other barriers have been decommissioned.
Eligibility [edit]
Following travellers were eligible to enrol:
- Persons over 18 years of age
- British citizen or people with a right of abode in the UK, or a national of an EEA State, or a Swiss national
- Permanent residents of the United Kingdom (e.g. Indefinite Leave to Remain)
- Valid entry clearance holders (Visa holders) with at least 2 months of validity left on the entry clearance
- Short term visitor entering the United Kingdom (not needing visas) who were granted entry as a visitor on at least two occasions in the last six months, or four occasions in the last 12 months
- Exempt from UK Immigration controls or permitted to enter or remain in the UK for more than six months and have more than two months left of that permission
- Family of EEA state or Swiss Nationals based in the UK or exempt from immigration controls and based in the UK
See also [edit]
- ePassport gates (another type of automated self-service barriers used by the UK Border Force at a number of airports)
Further Information [edit]
Notes and references [edit]
Notes:
References:
- ^ UKBA. "Using IRIS to enter the UK". Retrieved 2013-02-27.
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