Do I need a TB test for a UK visa?

You need a TB test if you are applying for a UK visa for more than 6 months and you are a resident of a country where TB testing is required. The Home Office maintains a list of these countries on GOV.UK. If your country is on the list, you must get tested at an approved clinic before applying.

How long is a TB test certificate valid for?

A TB test certificate is valid for 6 months from the date the test was carried out. You must use the certificate within this period by submitting your visa application. If the certificate expires before you apply, you will need a new test.

What happens if I test positive for TB?

If you test positive, you will not receive a certificate and cannot apply for your UK visa until you have been treated. Treatment typically takes 6 months. Once you have completed treatment and are clear, you can be re-tested and issued a certificate.

How much does a TB test cost?

The cost varies by country and clinic. TB tests for UK visa purposes typically cost between 50 and 150 US dollars or equivalent. The test must be conducted at an approved clinic listed on the GOV.UK website — tests from non-approved clinics are not accepted.

TB Test for UK Visa: Which Countries Need It and How It Works

Applicants from countries with high TB rates must provide a TB test certificate when applying for a UK visa of more than 6 months. The test must be done at an approved clinic and the certificate is valid for 6 months. This guide covers which countries are affected, how to book the test, what to expect, and what happens if you test positive.

Who Needs a TB Test

You need a TB test if:

You are applying for a UK visa for more than 6 months
You are a resident of a country on the Home Office TB testing list

The list includes countries across Africa, Asia, parts of South America, and some Eastern European countries. Common countries on the list include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, the Philippines, China, and South Africa.

You can check the full list on the GOV.UK TB test page.

This requirement applies to all visa types including Skilled Worker, spouse visa, Student visa, and others.

How the Test Works

The TB test for UK visa purposes is a chest X-ray. It is not a blood test or Mantoux skin test. The process is:

Book an appointment at an approved clinic in your country
Bring your passport and two passport-sized photos
Have a chest X-ray taken
The results are usually available the same day or within a few days
If clear, you receive a certificate to submit with your visa application

The approved clinics are listed on the GOV.UK approved clinic list.

Timing Your Test

The certificate is valid for 6 months. You need to time the test so that:

You have the certificate before you submit your visa application
The certificate will not expire before your application is processed

A good approach is to get tested 1 to 2 months before you plan to submit your visa application. This gives you time to gather other documents while ensuring the certificate remains valid.

If you are applying for a spouse visa, plan the TB test alongside gathering your document checklist.

If You Test Positive

Testing positive for TB means:

You will not receive a certificate
You cannot apply for your UK visa until you are clear
The clinic may refer you for TB treatment
Treatment typically takes 6 months
After treatment, you can be re-tested and, if clear, issued a certificate

If the X-ray is abnormal but TB is not confirmed, you may need further tests (such as a sputum sample). The clinic will guide you through this process.

Exemptions

You do not need a TB test if:

Your country is not on the Home Office list
You are applying for a visa of 6 months or less
You are a diplomat or their family member
You have a valid TB certificate from a previous test within the last 6 months
You are under 11 years old (though some clinics may still require testing)

Pregnant women can have the test, but should inform the clinic. The chest X-ray uses a very low dose of radiation, and clinics will take appropriate precautions.

Common Mistakes

Going to a non-approved clinic. Only tests from clinics on the GOV.UK list are accepted.
Letting the certificate expire. If more than 6 months pass between the test and your visa application, you need a new test.
Forgetting to include the certificate. Some applicants forget to upload or submit the certificate with their visa application.
Getting a blood test instead. The UK requires a chest X-ray specifically.

Next Steps

Check whether your country is on the TB testing list. If it is, find your nearest approved clinic, book your appointment, and get tested well before your planned visa application date. Keep the certificate safe and include it with your application.

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