TB Test Requirements by Country for UK Visa (2025)

If you're applying for a UK visa that lasts more than 6 months, you may need to take a tuberculosis (TB) screening test before you apply. This is a mandatory requirement for residents of countries on the Home Office's TB testing list.

The test is a simple chest X-ray done at an approved clinic. If you're clear, you'll receive a certificate to include with your visa application. Without it, your application will be automatically refused.

Who Needs a TB Test?

You need a TB test if:

• You are applying for a visa lasting more than 6 months (work, family, student, settlement).
• You are a resident of a listed country (see the full list below).
• You are aged 11 or older (under-11s are generally exempt).

You do NOT need a TB test if:

• You are applying for a visit visa (6 months or less).
• You are a resident of a non-listed country (e.g., USA, Canada, most EU countries, Japan, Australia).
• You are a returning UK resident who has been away for less than 2 years (with proof of previous UK residence).
• You are a diplomat or their family member.

Countries Requiring TB Testing

The following countries are on the Home Office TB testing list. Residents of these countries must provide a TB certificate when applying for a UK visa of more than 6 months.

Africa

Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (Swaziland), Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Asia

Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

Middle East

Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

Europe

Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.

Americas

Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname.

Pacific

Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

How to Book a TB Test

TB tests must be done at a clinic approved by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the Home Office.

1. Find your nearest approved clinic — search on GOV.UK for "tuberculosis tests for UK visa" and select your country. This lists all approved clinics with addresses and contact details.
2. Book an appointment — most clinics allow online or phone bookings. Some accept walk-ins, but booking is recommended.
3. Bring the following to your appointment:
   • Your current valid passport
   • One passport-sized photograph (35mm × 45mm)
   • The clinic fee (in local currency or as specified by the clinic)
   • Any previous TB treatment records (if applicable)
4. Attend the screening — a doctor will take a chest X-ray and examine it.
5. Receive your certificate — if clear, usually within 1-3 days. Some clinics provide same-day results.

What Happens During the Test?

The TB screening is straightforward:

• Chest X-ray: A standard X-ray of your chest. Takes about 5 minutes. You'll need to remove clothing from your upper body (you may be given a gown).
• Doctor's assessment: A radiologist or doctor reviews the X-ray for signs of active pulmonary TB.
• If clear: You receive a certificate stating you are free of active TB. This is valid for 6 months.
• If inconclusive: You may need further tests — usually sputum samples (you cough into containers over 2-3 days). Lab results take 2-8 weeks.
• If positive: You will be referred for treatment. You cannot get a TB certificate until you complete treatment and are clear of active TB. Treatment typically takes 6-9 months.

Special Circumstances

• Pregnant women: You should inform the clinic that you are pregnant. In early pregnancy, an X-ray may be delayed or the clinic may take additional precautions (lead apron shielding). Some clinics may request a medical letter confirming pregnancy stage.
• Children under 11: Generally exempt from chest X-ray. If there is clinical concern, the doctor may examine the child physically.
• Previous BCG vaccination: The BCG vaccine does not affect the chest X-ray result. Having been vaccinated does not exempt you from the test.
• Previous TB treatment: Bring your treatment completion records. The doctor will assess whether you are currently clear.

Certificate Validity and Timing

Your TB test certificate is valid for 6 months from the date of the test. This means:

• Don't take the test too early — if your application takes longer than expected, the certificate may expire before a decision is made.
• Don't take it too late — allow at least 1-2 weeks for the test and certificate to be ready before you submit your application.
• Ideal timing: Take the test 2-4 weeks before you plan to submit your visa application.

If your certificate expires during processing, UKVI may contact you to provide a new one. This adds significant delays — plan your timing carefully.

TB Test Costs by Region

Costs vary by country and clinic. Here are approximate ranges:

Payment methods vary — some clinics accept cash only, others take cards. Check in advance.

Common Issues

• Certificate expired before decision: Plan your timing. Take the test 2-4 weeks before applying, not 4-5 months before.
• Clinic not approved: Tests from non-approved clinics are not accepted. Always verify the clinic is listed on GOV.UK.
• Incorrect personal details: The name and passport number on the certificate must match your visa application exactly.
• Lost certificate: Contact the clinic for a replacement. Some charge a reissue fee.
• Applying from a non-listed country as a listed-country national: It's based on where you reside, not your nationality. If you're a Nigerian national living in the USA, you don't need a TB test.