Tuberculosis Tests for UK Visa Applicants Explained
You’ll need to have a tuberculosis TB test if you’re coming to the UK for more than 6 months. To check if you need a TB test, click here are see if your country of residence is listed.
You’ll be given a chest x-ray to test for TB. If the result of the x-ray isn’t clear you may also be asked to give a sputum sample (phlegm coughed up from your lungs).
If your test shows that you don’t have TB, you’ll be given a certificate which is valid for 6 months from the date of your x-ray. Include this certificate with your UK visa application.
Some countries don’t have approved testing centres so you’ll need to get tested in a neighbouring country.
Who doesn’t need to be tested?
You won’t need a TB test if any of the following apply:
you are a Diplomat accredited to the UK
you are a returning UK resident and haven’t been away for more than 2 years
you lived for at least 6 months in a country where TB screening is not required by the UK, and you’ve been away from that country for no more than 6 months
Children
All children must see a clinician who’ll decide if they need a chest x-ray. Children under 11 will not normally have a chest x-ray.
You must take your child to an approved clinic and complete a health questionnaire. If the clinician decides your child doesn’t have TB they’ll give you a certificate. Include this certificate with your child’s UK visa application.
Pregnant Women
You can choose:
an x-ray with an extra shield to protect you and your unborn child in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters
a sputum test (phlegm coughed up from your lungs) - there may be an extra fee and you could wait up to 8 weeks for results
to wait until after delivery
If you don’t want to be tested you can use an x-ray taken within the last 3 months at a UK-approved screening clinic. Ask a clinician at an approved clinic to review your x-ray. If it’s accepted the clinician will give you a certificate to send with your UK visa application.
This article was originally published by Gov.uk - https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa
