UK Visa Medical: Tuberculosis Test

What we book

The UK Home Office requires applicants from approximately 100 listed countries (Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, parts of South America) to undergo TB screening at a UK-approved clinic before being granted a visa of more than six months. We match you with an approved clinic (operated by IOM, Knightsbridge Doctors, or local UK-approved provider depending on your country of residence) for the chest X-ray + clinical exam package.

What’s included

• Brief medical history and respiratory symptoms screening
• Chest X-ray (PA view) read by a designated radiologist
• If chest X-ray is suspicious: sputum samples for AFB culture (2–3 month follow-up)
• TB Detection Certificate, valid 6 months, presentable with your UK visa application
• Direct results to the UK Home Office (some clinics) or hand-carry the certificate

Typical cost

$80–$150 USD at approved IOM clinics in most listed countries. Knightsbridge Doctors and equivalent UK-approved private clinics in major North American cities run $200–$300. Cost is much lower than U.S./Canadian/Australian medicals because the UK test scope is narrower — TB only, not a full medical exam.

Children under 11

Children under 11 generally do not need a chest X-ray, but the Home Office may still require a clinical evaluation. The approved clinic will determine whether further testing applies based on history and symptoms.

Country guide

For full context on UK immigration — the points-based Skilled Worker route, Health and Care Worker visa, Student visa, family visa, Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), and British citizenship — see our complete UK immigration guide. It covers which visa categories require TB testing (only those over six months from listed countries), the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), Right to Work checks, and Biometric Residence Permits.

Related: see our U.S. Civil Surgeon directory if you also need a U.S. I-693, and our immigration attorney directory for OISC-regulated UK counsel.