Applying for a UK visa often involves meeting specific health and medical requirements. One of the most important of these is the tuberculosis (TB) test, which is mandatory for applicants from certain countries who intend to stay in the United Kingdom for more than six months.
This guide explains who needs to take the test, how it works, where to go and the full list of countries where the requirement applies.
Purpose of the TB Test
UK’s TB testing requirement is designed to protect public health. The screening process identifies cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis before travel. This helps to prevent the spread of infection and ensures that individuals receive prompt diagnosis and treatment when required.
The requirement applies to nationals or residents of countries where TB is considered prevalent, as identified by the UK Government.
Who Must Take a TB Test
You must take a tuberculosis test if all of the following apply:
- You are coming to the UK for six months or longer.
- You have lived in one or more of the listed countries for at least six months.
- You were living in one of those countries within the past six months before your application.
You must also be tested if you are applying for:
- A Returning Resident visa, or
- A Family visa as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner even if your intended stay is under six months.
Who Is Exempt
You will not need a TB test if any of the following apply:
- You are a diplomat accredited to the UK.
- You are a returning UK resident who has not been abroad for more than two years.
- You are coming to the UK as part of a scheme to support people from Ukraine.
The TB Testing Process
All TB tests must be undertaken at a Home Office–approved clinic. Certificates from non-approved medical facilities will not be accepted.
1. The Screening
You will usually have a chest X-ray to check for signs of active pulmonary tuberculosis.
If the X-ray is unclear, the clinician may request a sputum sample (phlegm coughed up from your lungs) for further testing.
2. The Certificate
If your test confirms that you do not have TB, the clinic will issue a medical certificate.
This certificate:
- Must be issued by a Home Office–approved practitioner.
- Confirms that no active TB is present.
- Must have been issued within six months before the visa application date.
- Is valid for six months from the date of the X-ray.
You must include this certificate with your visa application.
TB Testing for Children
All children must attend an appointment at an approved clinic. A clinician will determine whether a chest X-ray is required. Children under the age of 11 years do not normally undergo an X-ray.
Parents or guardians will instead complete a health questionnaire. If the clinician concludes that the child is free from TB, a certificate will be issued to support the child’s visa application.
TB Testing During Pregnancy
Pregnant applicants have three options:
- An X-ray with protective shielding during the second or third trimester.
- A sputum test, which may carry an additional fee and can take up to eight weeks for results.
- Postponing the test until after childbirth.
All testing must take place at an approved clinic.
Where to Get Tested
Applicants must be tested at an approved Home Office clinic. If your country does not have a listed testing centre, you must travel to another country that does.
Approved clinics are available in most countries where testing is required, and also in several additional locations such as Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, the UAE, and the United States.
Full List of Countries Requiring a TB Test (TB2 List)
The TB testing requirement applies to nationals or residents of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei Darussalam, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Cameroon, China, Congo, Congo Democratic Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Hong Kong or Macau, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Russian Federation, Rwanda, São Tomé and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor Leste, Togo, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
After the Test
If your test result is negative, you will be issued a TB clearance certificate valid for six months. If your test is positive, you will not receive a certificate and must seek medical treatment before reapplying for a UK visa.
Final Advice
Book your TB test well in advance to ensure your certificate remains valid when you submit your visa application. Always check the latest list of approved clinics on the official UK Government website, as locations and requirements may change periodically.
Follow us to stay updated on the latest UK immigration changes. With over 20 years of experience and a steadfast commitment to excellence, Morgan Smith Immigration is your trusted partner for all your immigration needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with UK visa applications and provide tailored advice for your circumstances. For any enquiries or assistance, call us at 0203 959 3335 or email [email protected].
