For UK visas whether you’re getting one for work, study, business, family, or other, you may have to undergo a Tuberculosis (TB) test. This is not a necessity no matter where you live. TB testing clinics have been licensed in many countries by the UK and more recently several new ones. In this post, we’ll tell you who has to get a TB test, who doesn’t, and where to get one.
What is TB (Tuberculosis) Testing?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that infects you when you cough or sneeze. TB can be fatal, but it can be managed early. TB mostly strikes the lungs but can spread to other organs.
TB testing also tells you if you have TB in your lungs so infection isn’t spread. If you plan to live in the UK for 6 months or longer and if you are from a country where TB is endemic, you will have to take a TB test. But there is no TB test for tourists.
Who Needs to Take a TB Test for a UK Visa?
If you’re applying for a UK visa and plan to stay for more than 6 months, you might need a TB test if you’ve lived in one of the countries listed below. This applies if you’ve lived there recently or are currently living there. Here are some of the countries where you need a TB test:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- India
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Some countries require you to get tested in a nearby country, as they don’t have approved TB testing clinics. For example, people from countries like Eritrea, Guinea, and Myanmar may need to go to a different country for their test.
Check the full list of countries that require a TB test before applying for a visa.
Who is Exempt from the TB Test?
Not everyone has to take a TB test, even if they’ve lived in a country where TB is common. Exemptions include:
- Applicants under the Ukraine visa scheme
- Diplomats accredited to the UK
- Returning UK residents (as long as you’ve been abroad for less than 2 years)
- People who’ve lived in a country that doesn’t require TB testing for the UK, and who have been away for less than 6 months.
- Children under the age of 11 are generally not required to have a chest x-ray but may need a health questionnaire.
What if You’re Pregnant?
Pregnant women are not exempt from TB testing, but they can request extra precautions:
- Shielding during the chest x-ray to protect both the mother and baby (especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters).
- Sputum test (a different type of TB test) may be offered, which can take longer and may cost more.
- You can wait until after delivery to take the test.
- If you’ve had a chest x-ray in the past 3 months at a UK-approved clinic, you may not need another one.
Additional TB Testing Locations
The UK has recently added new countries to the list of places where you can get a TB test. Here are the new locations where you can now take the TB test:
- Canada
- France
- Iran
- Israel
- Japan
- UAE
- USA
If you’re in these countries, you can visit one of the approved clinics for your TB test.
Can I Book a UK TB Test Online?
In very limited situations, you can book an online appointment for a UK TB test if you’re already in the UK. This may apply if you’ve already had a test and want to confirm the results, or if you’re applying for the Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa.
Before applying for your UK visa, it’s important to check if you need a TB test. If you’ve lived in a country where testing is required, and you don’t get tested, your visa application could be delayed or even refused.
If you need help with your UK visa application or have questions about TB testing, Law and Visas can guide you through the process to ensure everything is in order. Contact us for assistance!
