British travellers visiting the US could undergo longer waiting times and more security after reports that US immigration officers be stationed at UK airports.
People boarding transatlantic flights might soon clear immigration before arriving in the US.
The plan is being negotiated in Washington and Whitehall and is already underway in several Irish airports.
A Home Office spokesperson told The Telegraph, “Discussions are ongoing with the US.
The US Government negotiates with airports as the relevant airport would need to adapt its operations accordingly.
“However, the introduction of pre-clearance operations would also require approval by the UK Government.”
Airlines might be required to pay for US immigration staff and their families to live in the UK, and extra costs could then be handed down to passengers.
As well as extra expense, passengers will likely be asked to turn up at the airport earlier to undergo questions from US officials in addition to the normal security checks.
Two airports – Manchester and Edinburgh – are reportedly considering the scheme.
It could take up to five years to be implemented, and raises questions over whether American immigration staff would be armed, a usual custom in the US.
US Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, and his predecessor, Jeh Johnson, have both publicly supported establishing pre-clearing immigration procedures in the UK as they say it could improve flight security and shorten waiting times at arrival.
