Two hundred Bermudians will today have a different way of clearing Airport immigration -- through a palm print and a credit card.

From today computer giants IBM will begin operating the technologically advanced FastGate at the Island's Airport -- the world's first testing ground.

"We are delighted to be here, working in co-operation with the Bermuda Government on our first international installation of FastGate,'' said IBM project manager Trudy Hobbs.

FastGate uses biometrics, such as fingerprints, hand geometry or voice prints, along with items such as name, address, date of birth and passport number.

The biometrics are recorded onto a card which is inserted into a slimline ATM-style machine which scans the details.

After inserting the card, the traveller places their hand on a machine which reads the palm's geometery.

While waiting for verification the person is asked whether they have anything to declare, answering by touching the appropriate section of the computer screen.

Once the check is completed the person will be given a receipt to present to immigration control.

If a person is on a stop list they will not be given clearance and asked to see an immigration officer.

IBM says the whole process takes as little as 15 seconds and could revolutionise immigration control and speed up passenger movement through airports.

It will be open to a small control group of 200 frequent fliers living in Bermuda at first before use is broadened to about 2,000 people, all volunteers, later in the summer, and eventually all fliers.

Three new gates for FastGate have been installed at the Airport's revamped immigration area for use by card holders. Information about getting a card can be obtained from travel agents.

Mrs. Hobbs added that IBM was in talks with the US, Britain, Germany and the Netherlands about installing the system, but Bermuda was the company's first testing ground.

"It will make things quicker and at the same time very secure. This is clearance for immigration, they will still need to go through Customs,'' added Mrs. Hobbs.

THE FAST LANE -- Trudy Hobbs, from IBM, tests out FastGate at the Bermuda International Airport -- the world's testing ground for the computerised immigration system.