What is the International Passenger Survey?
The International Passenger Survey (IPS) is a survey of a random sample of passengers entering and leaving the UK by air, sea or the Channel Tunnel. Over a quarter of million face-to-face interviews are carried out each year with passengers entering and leaving the UK through the main airports, seaports and the Channel Tunnel. Why is the survey carried out? Data from the survey are used: • in compiling the travel account of the balance of payments; • in estimating the numbers and characteristics of migrants into and out of the UK; and • to provide information on international tourism. The survey has a variety of customers. Main users of the data are: • the Office for National Statistics (ONS); • the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; • VisitBritain, the authority for tourism in Britain; and • the National Tourist Boards. Other users of IPS data include: • HM Customs and Excise; • the Department for Transport; • the Department of Health; • the Home Office; • the Civil Aviation Aut
