Who needs TB Test Certificate?

All applicants who intend to visit the United Kingdom for more than six months and are a national of one of the countries where TB is common must be required to undergo tuberculosis (TB) test prior to entry.

The purpose of tuberculosis screening is to detect the presence of pulmonary tuberculosis and prevent its spread during travel, as well as to help in the early diagnosis and treatment of the disease when the traveler is unaware of their condition.

If the results of the TB screening are negative, a TB clearance certificate will be issued. An applicant must provide proof that they are free of tuberculosis is not present at the time of application.

Where does the TB test take place?

The test is taken at designated and UK government approved clinics in each country.  

An applicant must bring two official identification documents, one of which must be their passport. In addition to this requirement, they will need two recent passport photographs and payment for a TB screening test, if applicable, any details of a previous diagnosis of TB, and any treatment.

The clinic fee varies by country and includes consultation, chest X-ray, and certificate of TB clearance. If the doctor determines that additional testing, such as sputum tests, is necessary, additional charges may be incurred. The TB test clinic fees are in addition to the visa application fee paid to the UK Home Office.

What will be done during the TB test?

Before the screening begins, a doctor asks about any current health condition, previous illness including TB, and treatment. If necessary, the doctor might carry out a physical examination.

Ordinarily, an applicant will be given a chest x-ray to test for TB. If the X-ray does not indicate any lung TB, they will issue a TB clearance certificate.

If a chest X-ray shows an area of concern or if the test results are inconclusive, the applicant needs to have a sputum test and wait for the result for around 8 weeks.

If a TB test is positive, the applicant will be referred for treatment; once treatment is complete, the applicant can be re-tested for an extra cost. A diagnosis will be reported in line with the requirements of any country as well as the health authorities in the United Kingdom.

Should children and pregnant women take TB tests?

There are special arrangements for children and pregnant women. All children must visit the doctors who will decide if they need a chest X-ray. Typically, children under the age of 11 are not required to have a chest X-ray; rather, they need to complete a health questionnaire. If a clinician determines that a child does not have tuberculosis, they will issue a certificate.

Pregnant women can request a chest X-ray with an extra shield to protect themselves and their unborn child in the second and third trimesters or take a sputum test instead or wait until delivery. The sputum test may incur an additional charge, and results may take up to 8 weeks to arrive. An X-ray taken within the last 3 months at one of the approved clinics may be acceptable. This could be reviewed by a doctor in an approved clinic.

Are there any exemptions to taking a TB test?

There are certain circumstances where an applicant does not have to undergo TB screening.

• An applicant is a diplomat accredited to the UK.
• An applicant is a UK resident returning to the UK and they have not been away for over 2 years.
• An applicant has lived for at least 6 months in a country where TB screening is not required by the UK and they have been away from a country for not more than 6 months.

How long is a TB certificate valid?

After a test shows the applicant does not have tuberculosis, the applicant will receive a certificate that must be submitted with the visa application.

The certificate is valid for only 6 months from the date it was issued and an applicant must therefore consider the time of their application and the logistics of scheduling to visit the clinic.



For expert advice and support about a TB certificate or any related visa application, please contact us at 0203 865 6219 or leave a message.