Immigration officials Friday began testing a pioneering security system at Heathrow Airport that scans passengers’ eyes as an alternative to checking passports.
The test, scheduled to last five months, will allow up to 2,000 frequent visitors to pass through immigration by staring into a video camera that takes a close-up image of the iris.
Passengers will undergo identity checks by an immigration officer before being able to use the equipment. A digital image of each passenger’s iris is then stored in a computer database.
Once enrolled, passengers simply look into the camera from a distance of about 10 inches and their identities are verified in seconds.
If the iris patterns match, an entry ticket is automatically printed and a barrier opens, allowing the traveler out of the immigration hall.
Enrolled passengers will still need to carry passports.
The system was developed by EyeTicket Corp. of McLean, Va.
