The first automatic e-passport reader is now in operation in Faro, Portugal.

The system is designed to replace immigration officers. The readers will soon become standard worldwide, said Home Office minister Meg Hillier.

"The system in place at Faro is a sign of things to come, as countries all around the world adopt biometric technology to strengthen border controls," she said.

The Identity and Passport Service has now issued about eight million e-passports to UK citizens since the successful trial last year.

The aim of the scheme is to identify illegal travelers before they reach the UK.

The reader scans facial features and checks them against the e-passport.

The system will be rolled out to all Portuguese airports by the end of 2007.