New digital cards will let Americans avoid customs lines at an overseas airport for the first time, says USA Today. U.S. travelers approved for the ID card will pass through an express lane at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. The cards are embedded with an image of the traveler's iris, which offers a unique pattern to help identify the person, says the Department of Homeland Security.
To join, you must enroll in the Amsterdam airport's trusted-traveler program, Privium, which requires paperwork and a yearly fee of $143. Sign up at the airport's website. This program starts at JFK airport and will expand to 13 more U.S. airports by the end of the year. Enrollment costs $100 per person and lasts five years. Additional ones are expected for Australia, Britain, and Germany reasonably soon, say government documents.
Dutch nationals can apply for the service to visit the U.S. by clicking here.
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It's nice to hear but a bit expensive for someone travels 1-2 times a year. Do we still need passport?
Posted By Jackie Miao on April 30, 2009, 11:15 AM
ITS TOO EXPENSIVE! MAYBE IF 500 MORE COUNTRIES ARE ADDED OTHERWISE ITS SILLY.
BUT THE IDEA IS GREAT HOPE IT GETS EXPANDED..
Posted By JITO on April 30, 2009, 1:40 PM
Last week I changed flights in Amsterdam on the way to Prague and having to go through their security again took nearly an hour. This would be fantastic, especially for those with short layover times.
Posted By Mike Jarman on April 30, 2009, 3:19 PM
This service is already available for regular/frequent travelers at London Heathrow (definitely) and Gatwick (I think). And it's free. Look for signs after departure security to sign up for IRIS.
Posted By Ed Ferrell on May 2, 2009, 3:35 AM
Another way to tax us. If there is no border problem now in the EU why is it necessary. If adopted by Britain,EU and the US have one charge for all not separate fees.
Posted By petrisirak1 on May 4, 2009, 7:09 AM