Tuberculosis (TB) Screening for UK Visa Applications

A tuberculosis (TB) certificate will be required as part of your UK visa application if you are coming to the UK for over 6 months, have lived in a listed country for over 6 months, or have lived in a listed country within the last 6 months. This certificate will confirm the pre-departure testing of TB and determine if travel is or is not permitted.

What is TB?

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection which affects the lungs and can spread to other areas of the body. It can be transmitted through droplets when speaking, coughing, or sneezing. Treatment is possible with antibiotics, but certain people are more susceptible to a serious form of the disease, including those with an already weakened immune system.

How is TB detected?

A chest x-ray will usually identify if TB is present. Sputum testing may be necessary where x-ray results are unclear.

Countries where TB testing is mandatory for UK Visas

As of 1 March 2026, applicants who have resided in any of these countries for over 6 months, or have lived in any of these countries within the last 6 months (for any length), must take a TB test.

Example 1: Anna is a French national who lives in Paris. Because France is not on the list of countries which require a TB test, she does not have to take it before making an application to join her partner in the UK.

Example 2: If Anna visited Vietnam for a 5 days in March 2026 and plans to apply for her visa any time before September 2026, she would have to take a TB test before applying. If she waits 6 months before making the application, a TB test would not be required.

When should I take a TB Test?

Your UK Pre-Departure Tuberculosis Detection Programme medical certificate will be valid for 6 months. If you do not apply for your visa before the certificate expires, you will need to take another test. You should plan your application in good time to ensure all supporting documents are available, including a valid medical certificate. A Tuberculosis test taken 4-8 weeks before your intended travel date should give you sufficient time to prepare.

Do children need to take a TB test?

All children must be assessed for TB by a clinician who will decide whether a chest x-ray should be administered.

Do pregnant women need to take a TB test?

Pregnant women are not exempt from TB testing, but they can choose between x-ray testing and sputum testing.

TB Certificate

Your UK Pre-Departure Tuberculosis Detection Programme medical certificate will confirm the results of your TB test. If active TB is not identified, you can use this certificate as part of your application to come to the UK. This certificate will list all the key information needed, including your personal details, photograph, and the medical facility which performed the testing. If your results are positive, you will be referred for medical treatment and will not be able to travel to the UK.

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If you are unsure whether you need to take a TB test before travelling, already have a certificate which you want to make sure is acceptable, or have any other queries relating to the TB requirement, contact us below to discuss your circumstances.