Overseas TB (Tuberculosis) Testing For UK Visa Applicants

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of its publication date. Any updates after that date are not reflected here.

If you are applying for a UK work, business, study, family, or any other type of visa, depending on the country in which you live, you may need to have a tuberculosis (TB) test. Approved TB clinics are available in many countries around the world, and some new testing locations have recently been added by the UK Home Office. In this article, we will explain all the UK Visa TB test requirements. We will cover whether you need to take a TB test, whether you are exempt, and information on additional TB testing clinic locations.

What is TB (Tuberculosis) testing?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a type of bacterial infection that is spread through inhaling droplets from the coughs or sneezes of a person with the infection. While TB can be a serious condition, it is normally easily cured with effective and early treatment. TB typically affects the lungs but can also affect the glands, bones and nervous system.A TB screening will detect the presence of tuberculosis in the lungs and prevent the spread of infection to others. For this reason, pre-entry TB screening is mandatory for those coming to the UK for 6 months. This period can be longer if you are from a country where TB is common. If you are coming to the UK as a tourist, you will not need to have a TB test.

Who needs to have a TB (Tuberculosis) test?

You may need to have a TB test for UK visa if you are planning to stay there for more than 6 months:

• you have been living in one of the countries listed below, or
• have been living in one of the countries listed below in the past 6 months but no longer live there.

Not all countries have approved TB testing centres, hence you may need to get tested in another country.

Who is exempt from needing a TB (Tuberculosis) test?

Not everyone needs a TB test, even if they have been living in one of the above countries. Those who are exempt from this requirement include:

• Applicants under the Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
• Diplomats who are accredited to the UK
• Returning UK residents (as long as you have not been away for more than 2 years), and
• Individuals who have lived for at 6 months or more in a country where TB screening is not required. Either that, or if you have been away from that country for no more than 6 months.

The rules also state that children under the age of 11 do not normally need to have a TB chest X-ray. Children may instead need to have a health questionnaire completed by an approved clinic.

If you are pregnant, while you are not exempt from having a TB test, you can request:

• extra shielding when you have your X-ray to protect you and your unborn child in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters
• a sputum test, which incurs an additional fee on top of UK visa fees. This may take longer for the results to be available
• to wait until after the delivery of your baby.

The rules also state that if a pregnant woman does not want to get tested, they can use an X-ray taken within the last 3 months at a UK-approved screening clinic.

Additional TB Testing Locations

In recent weeks, the Home Office has updated its guidance on TB testing. It added new locations where you can get an approved TB test. The latest guidance published on 30th November 2022 covers countries such as Iran, Japan, UAE, and the USA. While not on the official list, TB testing centres are available in these additional countries for anyone who needs them. The full list of additional testing locations includes:

• Canada
• France
• Iran
• Israel
• Japan
• UAE
• USA

Can I Book an UK TB Test Online Appointment?

Yes, it is possible to book UK TB test online appointment. But, you must book your TB test directly with a Home Office–approved clinic. Gov.uk only lists contact details and locations. It doesn’t handle bookings. 

How Do They Test for TB in the UK?

For UK visa eligibility, the TB test will include a chest x-ray at a Home Office–approved clinic. First, a clinician takes your detailed medical history and then, you will undergo a chest x-ray. Then, a radiologist reviews images for signs of TB. Also, if X-ray results prove inconclusive, you must provide additional sputum samples. Finally, the clinic issues a six-month valid certificate. Remember, your TB certificate stays valid for six months from the date of your X-ray, so time your appointment carefully to cover your visa application date.

How Much is a TB Test for an UK visa?

TB tests at Home Office–approved UK clinics cost between £75 and £210. Clinics set under-11 fees around £75–£100. For applicants aged 11 and above, clinics charge roughly £160–£210 based on location. Before you apply, check your nearest approved clinic’s website or the government website to confirm the exact fee and arrange your appointment.

Final Words

Before applying for a visa to come to the UK, it is always advisable to check if the TB testing requirement applies to you. Many people who assume that they do not require a test risk having their visa application delayed or refused if they have been in a country for which testing is required. If you need assistance with your visa process, A Y & J Solicitors offers end-to-end guidance on all UK visas.

At A Y & J Solicitors, we have handled over 1000s of successful UK visa applications. With a 95% success rate, we have achieved an overall track record of 5,000+ successful immigration and visa cases through our result-driven approach to every application. We take on each client with the genuine intention to provide our undivided care and attention to their case. We guide you through every step of your UK visa process, so you can trust the experts to manage your application and work toward your success.

Why A Y & J Solicitors?

With over thousands of successful immigration cases to our name, A Y & J Solicitors has built its reputation on trust, care, and real results. Over the 15+ years of working in UK immigration law, we’ve helped individuals and businesses confidently navigate sponsor licences, UK visas, and ILR applications. We’re proud to be recognised by The Legal 500, but it’s our clients’ peace of mind that matters most. When you work with us, you get clear advice, honest support, and a team that’s truly on your side.

A Y & J Solicitors is a specialist immigration law firm with extensive experience with all types of visa applications. We have an in-depth understanding of immigration law and are professional and results-focused. For assistance with your visa application or any other UK immigration law concerns, please contact us on +44 20 7404 7933 or at contact us today. We’re here to help!