Tuberculosis Test Requirements for UK Visas

Our comprehensive guide to the Tuberculosis Test Requirements for UK visas is a free in-depth resource. You’ll find information about who it applies to and the testing process. If you need help with this or any part of your application, please get in touch.


(5 out of 5 Rating)

Based on 1058+ Reviews on Trustpilot & Google

Request a call back from our Advisors

Privacy Policy
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

An Overview of Tuberculosis Tests for UK Visas

The UK immigration system continues to evolve and become more complex. One of the latest additions to the application process is the requirement for citizens of specific listed countries to undertake a tuberculosis (TB) test before applying for a long-term UK visa. These specific countries have been identified based on TB being active within the country. Not only do applicants need to be tested for TB, but the test needs to be undertaken by an approved medical clinic. The test typically involves a chest x-ray, but in addition or in limited circumstances, a sputum sample (phlegm coughed up from your lungs) can be provided. On successfully obtaining a negative test result, you’ll be issued a tuberculosis clearance certificate that you’ll need to include as part of your visa application. The test certificate will be valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray.

Who need to undertake a TB test for a UK Visa?

The criteria for who needs to undertake a TB test is relatively simple:

  • You must be applying for a UK visa of 6 months or longer in duration
  • You live in one of the listed countries
  • You have lived in one of the listed countries in the past 6 months

If you fall into the above criteria, you must schedule a test with an approved clinic.

Exceptions to TB Test Requirements

There are very limited criteria for when a TB test would not be required if you’ve resided in a listed country. The only exceptions to the TB testing requirements are:

  • if you’re a diplomat accredited to the UK
  • if you’re a returning UK resident and haven’t been away from the UK for more than 2 years
  • if you’ve lived for at least 6 months in a country where the UK does not require TB screening, and you’ve been away from that country for not longer than 6 months

These are the only permissible exceptions to the TB test requirements. It’s worth noting there are slightly different criteria for pregnant women and children, which vary slightly from the standard testing requirements.

TB Tests for Pregnant Women and Children

All children must provide a test certificate, but they don’t need to undergo a chest x-ray. Instead, a child must see a clinician who will assess whether they need a chest x-ray. Typically, children under 11 will not have a chest x-ray. Instead, they will need to complete a health questionnaire. Once completed, if the clinician decides the child does not have TB, they’ll issue a TB certificate.

In the case of pregnant women, there are a few different options they can decide between. These options are as follows:

  • if you’re in the 2nd or 3rd trimester, you can have an x-ray with an additional shield, which will protect you and your unborn child from radiation
  • you can provide a sputum test instead (phlegm coughed up from your lungs), although there could be an extra fee payable, and you will need to wait up to 8 weeks for the results and the TB certificate
  • choose to wait until after your child is born

Book A Free Assessment

Privacy Policy
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Which Countries Residents Need a TB Certificate?

Citizens and residents of the following countries are required to obtain a TB certificate. Countries included on this list are deemed to have active TB within the country:

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • Angola
  • Armenia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Belarus
  • Benin
  • Bhutan
  • Bolivia
  • Botswana
  • Brunei
  • Burkina Faso
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Cape Verde
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • Cameroon
  • China
  • Congo
  • Côte d’Ivoire
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Djibouti
  • Dominican Republic
  • East Timor
  • Ecuador
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Ethiopia
  • Gabon
  • Gambia
  • Georgia
  • Ghana
  • Guatemala
  • Guinea
  • Guinea Bissau
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Hong Kong
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Lesotho
  • Liberia
  • Macau
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Malaysia
  • Mali
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritania
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Morocco
  • Mozambique
  • Myanmar (Burma)
  • Namibia
  • Nepal
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • Pakistan
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • Rwanda
  • São Tomé and Principe
  • Senegal
  • Sierra Leone
  • Solomon Islands
  • Somalia
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Suriname
  • Swaziland
  • Tajikistan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Togo
  • Turkmenistan
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vietnam
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

We Know Every
Reason For
Refusal

We Manage The Entire
Process

Our Experience
Secures Visa Approvals

We Provide A
Bespoke
Document List

We Provide
The Document
Templates

UK Visa Experts & No
Sales Team

Why 40,000 Clients Have Chosen First Migration to Secure Their Visa Approval.

Many clients choose First Migration for its long history of excellent service and track record of successful visa applications. However, what we feel is our biggest strength and what makes us unique is our small dedicated team that offers a truly personalised service. We genuinely love what we do, and our team relishes making a difference to the lives of our clients.

We Know Every Reason For Refusal
We Manage The Entire Process
Our Experience Secures Visa Approvals
We Provide A Bespoke Document List
We Provide The Document Templates
UK Visa Experts & No Sales Team

About Dean Morgan

Immigration Lawyer
Dean is a founding partner of First Migration and has more than 20 years of experience in UK immigration. He is a trusted voice in the immigration community and regularly appears on GB News and other prominent news channels.

First Migration Latest Insights

Keep up to date with the latest news, insights and events

Download Our Guide to Making Successful UK Visa Applications

First Migration

Enter Your Details Below For Our Free Guide

For Tips To a Successful Application

Download Our Free Guide

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.