A TB test for UK visa isn’t just another box to tick—it’s a key step if you’re applying from certain countries. In this visa guide, we’ll break down who actually needs this UK visa requirement, what happens during it, and where you can get it done—so you know exactly what to expect before starting your visa application.
Is a TB test required for the UK? TB test for UK visa explained
If you're planning to apply for a UK visa, a tuberculosis (TB) test might be on your requirement checklist. The UK Home Office requires TB testing to prevent the spread of active tuberculosis and to ensure the health and safety of residents.
TB testing for a UK visa typically involves:
Chest X-ray: The primary test to detect active pulmonary TB.
Sputum Test: Required only if the chest X-ray is inconclusive.
If the results confirm no active TB, a TB clearance certificate is issued, which is valid for 6 months from the date of your X-ray.
Who needs a TB test for UK visa?
Not every visa applicant needs a TB test. You are required to undergo testing if:
You are coming to the UK for 6 months or longer.
You have lived in a country where TB is prevalent for 6 months or more.
You were living in that country (or another listed country) within the last 6 months.
Even short-term visa applicants may need testing if they are applying for:
A Returning Resident visa.
A family visa as a fiancé, fiancée, or proposed civil partner.
List of hospitals for the TB test for UK visa
Here are countries requiring TB testing for a UK Visa & where to test:
Country | Where to Test |
Afghanistan | In-country |
Algeria | In-country |
Angola | In-country |
Armenia | In-country |
Azerbaijan | In-country |
Bangladesh | In-country |
Belarus | In-country |
Benin | Test in another country |
Bhutan | In-country |
Bolivia | In-country |
Botswana | In-country |
Brunei | In-country |
Burkina Faso | Test in another country |
Burundi | In-country |
Cambodia | In-country |
Cape Verde | Test in another country |
Central African Republic | Test in another country |
Chad | In-country |
Cameroon | In-country |
China | In-country |
Congo | Test in another country |
Côte d’Ivoire | In-country |
Democratic Republic of the Congo | In-country |
Djibouti | Test in another country |
Dominican Republic | In-country |
East Timor | Test in another country |
Ecuador | In-country |
Equatorial Guinea | Test in another country |
Eritrea | Test in another country |
Ethiopia | In-country |
Gabon | Test in another country |
Gambia | In-country |
Georgia | In-country |
Ghana | In-country |
Guatemala | In-country |
Guinea | Test in another country |
Guinea-Bissau | Test in another country |
Guyana | In-country |
Haiti | In-country |
Hong Kong | In-country |
India | In-country |
Indonesia | In-country |
Iraq | In-country |
Kazakhstan | In-country |
Kenya | In-country |
Kiribati | Test in another country |
Kyrgyzstan | Test in another country |
Laos | In-country |
Lesotho | Test in another country |
Liberia | Test in another country |
Macau | Test in another country |
Madagascar | In-country |
Malawi | In-country |
Malaysia | In-country |
Mali | Test in another country |
Marshall Islands | Test in another country |
Mauritania | In-country |
Micronesia (Federated States of) | Test in another country |
Moldova | In-country |
Mongolia | In-country |
Morocco | In-country |
Mozambique | In-country |
Myanmar (Burma) | In-country |
Namibia | In-country |
Nepal | In-country |
Niger | Test in another country |
Nigeria | In-country |
North Korea | In-country |
Pakistan | In-country |
Palau | Test in another country |
Papua New Guinea | In-country |
Panama | In-country |
Paraguay | In-country |
Peru | In-country |
Philippines | In-country |
Russia | In-country |
Rwanda | In-country |
São Tomé and Principe | Test in another country |
Senegal | In-country |
Sierra Leone | In-country |
Solomon Islands | In-country |
Somalia | Test in another country |
South Africa | In-country |
South Korea | In-country |
South Sudan | Test in another country |
Sri Lanka | In-country |
Sudan | In-country |
Suriname | Test in another country |
Swaziland (Eswatini) | Test in another country |
Tajikistan | In-country |
Tanzania | In-country |
Togo | Test in another country |
Thailand | In-country |
Turkmenistan | In-country |
Tuvalu | Test in another country |
Uganda | In-country |
Ukraine | In-country |
Uzbekistan | In-country |
Vanuatu | In-country |
Vietnam | In-country |
Zambia | In-country |
Zimbabwe | In-country |
Canada | Approved clinics available |
Egypt | Approved clinics available |
Fiji | Approved clinics available |
France | Approved clinics available |
Germany | Approved clinics available |
Iran | Approved clinics available |
Ireland | Approved clinics available |
Israel | Approved clinics available |
Japan | Approved clinics available |
Spain | Approved clinics available |
Turkey | Approved clinics available |
UAE | Approved clinics available |
USA | Approved clinics available |
UK (clinics) | Available for voluntary checks or BNO visa applicants |
Check the official list of approved clinics here.
Key takeaways
TB testing is mandatory for visa applicants from certain countries.
Only Home Office-approved clinics can issue valid TB clearance certificates.
Certificates are valid for six months and must be included in your visa application.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth TB testing process and avoid delays in your UK visa application.
