According to The Independent, in an effort to prevent terrorists or illegal immigrants from sneaking into the country, UK officials are collecting biometric data from more than 10,000 Olympic athletes and their coaches. Over the next several weeks UK Border Agency staff deployed overseas, will collect as much biometric information as they can, travelling to major international sporting events.

A total of 20,000 accredited athletes, coaches, media personnel, and family members is expected to attend the games, but roughly half of these individuals already have their biometric information stored on their passports, so do not need to have their finger and face prints collected. Officials are going through such lengths as those with accredited passes may enter the Olympic Villages and venues without tough security checks, so security officials are doing their due diligence ahead of the event as a precautionary measure. “Collecting biometrics in advance of travel will increase security as GFM [games family members] biometrics will be prechecked before arrival in the UK,” said a spokesman for the Home Office.

International athletes do not have to have their 10 fingerprints and face print taken in their own countries, but they will have to provide their biometrics upon arrival in the United Kingdom. To help minimise any delays, a temporary terminal at Heathrow airport is being built to accommodate the 20,000 accredited visitors.