Britons visiting the US could undergo longer waiting times and more security after reports that US immigration officers could be stationed at UK airports.

People boarding transatlantic flights might soon clear immigration before arriving in the US.

The plan which is being negotiated in Washington and Whitehall will resemble US preclearance operations at Dublin and Shannon airports in Ireland.

A Home Office spokesperson told The Telegraph, “Discussions are ongoing with the US.”

The US government negotiates with airports directly as each airport would need to adapt its operations accordingly.

“However, the introduction of preclearance operations would also require approval by the UK Government,” the Home Office added.

Travelling with the laptop ban: step by step Show all 7 1 /7 Travelling with the laptop ban: step by step Travelling with the laptop ban: step by step Cynthia's laptop is carefully wrapped Cynthia Drescher Travelling with the laptop ban: step by step Cynthia's then given an form to fill in Cynthia Drescher Travelling with the laptop ban: step by step Then it's boxed and bagged individually Cynthia Drescher Travelling with the laptop ban: step by step The laptop is given a business class tag Cynthia Drescher Travelling with the laptop ban: step by step It's individually labelled and marked as fragile Cynthia Drescher Travelling with the laptop ban: step by step On arrival, the laptops are waiting at baggage claim Cynthia Drescher Travelling with the laptop ban: step by step Result: the laptop has survived Cynthia Drescher

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.