UK Tuberculosis (TB) Test Rules for Visa Applicants (2026)

This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor, to ensure accuracy under current UK immigration policy. Confirm your visa requirements via Our UK Visa Guidance.

Applicants from certain countries must provide a valid Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate before travelling to the UK for more than six months. This includes many UK Spouse Visa applicants applying from overseas. These rules are part of the Home Office’s health screening requirements as of October 2025.

Who Needs a TB Test for a UK Visa?

You must take a TB test if you:

Those applying from within the UK (FLR(M) route) are exempt from testing. See Apply Inside the UK (FLR(M)) for guidance.

• Are applying to come to the UK for more than six months (e.g., Spouse Visa, Student Visa, Work Visa).
• Live in a country listed by the UK Home Office as requiring TB screening.
• Are applying with dependants (each applicant, including children over 11, must be tested).

Approved TB Test Clinics (2026)

Tests must be carried out at a Home Office–approved clinic. Certificates from unapproved centres are not accepted. The following are examples of regional providers:

Region

Approved Provider Examples

Certificate Validity

Africa

IOM (International Organization for Migration) Centres in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana

6 months from date of test

Asia

Approved hospitals in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines

6 months

Middle East

Clinics in UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia (IOM-accredited)

6 months

Latin America

IOM centres in Colombia and Peru

6 months

What to Expect at the Appointment

The test usually involves a chest X-ray. Applicants under 11 years old may require a medical examination instead. You must bring:

The clinic will issue a certificate if you test negative for TB. This certificate must be included in your Spouse Visa document bundle.

• Your passport.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Payment for the clinic fee (varies by location).

Countries Requiring TB Testing (Partial List)

Applicants residing in the following countries must obtain a TB clearance certificate before applying:

For the full list, see the official Home Office TB test countries page linked from GOV.UK.

• India
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Ghana
• Bangladesh
• Kenya
• Philippines
• China
• South Africa
• Ukraine

TB Certificate Validity

• Certificates are valid for six months from the test date.
• The certificate must still be valid when your visa decision is made.
• Expired certificates will lead to delays or refusal.

Common Refusal Reasons

Learn more about refusal prevention in Common Spouse Visa Refusal Reasons (2026).

• Submitting a TB certificate from a non-approved clinic.
• Certificate expired before decision date.
• Missing TB certificate for a dependant over 11 years old.
• Uploading a low-quality or incomplete scan.

People Also Asked

Do I need a TB test for a UK Spouse Visa?

Yes, if you are applying from a country where TB testing is required and intend to stay in the UK for over six months.

How long is the TB certificate valid?

It is valid for six months from the date of the test. It must still be valid when your visa decision is issued.

Can I use a local hospital for the TB test?

No. You must use a Home Office–approved clinic. Certificates from other providers will not be accepted.

Do children need a TB test?

Children aged 11 and above must undergo testing; younger children may require a medical exam instead.

Related Guidance

• Documents Checklist (2026)
• Eligibility Criteria (2026)
• Apply Outside the UK (2026)
• Common Refusal Reasons (2026)

About This Page

Author: UK Visa Applications Editorial Team

Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, UK Solicitor and Regulated Immigration Advisor