Using the iris recognition immigration system (IRIS)
IRIS changes for South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Bolivia and Venezuela
The UK Border Agency has introduced new visa regimes and changed the IRIS enrolment criteria for passport holders from South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Bolivia and Venezuela.
This page explains how registered passengers can use our iris recognition immigration system (IRIS) to enter the United Kingdom quickly through automated barriers at certain airports.
IRIS makes use of the fact that the pattern of the iris in each person's eye (the coloured part of the eye) is unique. This makes it possible for a person to be identified simply by looking into a special camera at the IRIS barrier located in the immigration arrival hall.
It usually takes between five and 10 minutes to register for IRIS. A registered traveller entering the United Kingdom can cross an IRIS barrier in about 20 seconds.
Passport holders of the United Kingdom, other countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland can register for IRIS. Permanent residents and certain other categories of people are also able to register.
For more information, see Iris recognition immigration system (IRIS).