Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


2

Iris Cards Let Travelers Skip Customs

US signs deal with Holland, and more are on the way

Share

(Newser) – A new digital card will allow Americans to skip customs lines at a foreign airport for the first time, reports USA Today. In a deal between Homeland Security officials and the Netherlands, US travelers approved for the ID card will be able to speed through Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, while Dutch citizens can do the same at JFK and LAX. The new cards contain an embedded image of the traveler's iris that verifies identity.

To participate in the Dutch plan, citizens must enroll in the Amsterdam airport's trusted-traveler program, which consists of a background check and an annual fee of $143. More bilateral agreements are in the works, and approved American travelers will eventually be able to breeze through customs in Britain, Germany, and Australia. "We fully intend to make this a global network," said a Homeland Security official.

Americans who enroll in a new US-Dutch program will be able to breeze through customs at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. New bilateral agreements are in the works.
Americans who enroll in a new US-Dutch program will be able to breeze through customs at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. New bilateral agreements are in the works.   (Flickr)
The Global Entry program uses cards embedded with digital images of the traveler's iris.
The Global Entry program uses cards embedded with digital images of the traveler's iris.   (Flickr)
The new Global Entry program will be expanded to the UK, Germany and Australia soon.
The new Global Entry program will be expanded to the UK, Germany and Australia soon.   (Flickr)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.23.09
New Books Are Bad for You
11.20.09
The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun
2 comments
VIEWING:
 
TerrifiedCitizen
Apr 25, 09 12:59 AM CDT
The carrot for a big brother stamp of approval is being able to side-step the agonizing inconvenience air travel has become with considerable help from the DHS... it's so difficult not to sound like a conspiracy nut these days isn't it? Oh well, getting a good look at irises after leaving the magical mystery tulip tour shouldn't be a problem. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
riffran
Apr 25, 09 6:29 AM CDT
reminds me of "Minority report" with tom cruise Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 


Want to sign up?
US Customs and Border Protection


Technology  •  Arts & Living 
TwitterFollow @NewserTech on Twitter

 
travel • JFK Airport • Netherlands • Department of Homeland Security • air travel • LAX • Customs and Border Protection • iris recognition • customs • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

from our news partners

Associated PressAssociated Press