UK Student Visa TB Test 2026: Requirements & Approved Clinics

What is the TB screening test for a UK student visa?

The TB screening test is a mandatory health requirement for people travelling to the UK for more than 6 months. This includes international students, too. The test is used to identify if the applicant has an active TB infection in the lungs.

A tuberculosis infection, when untreated, can be lethal. However, with effective treatment and care, it can be cured completely.

Why is a TB test required for a UK visa?

The test is added as a requirement for a UK visa so that the UK government can ensure the health and well-being of the people in the country and prevent the spread of tuberculosis in the UK. Tuberculosis is still prevalent in India, which is why Indians travelling to the UK are expected to get screened for TB.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, more than 40% of the Indian population carries the TB bacteria in their body, but only 10% get the disease. Note that carrying the TB bacteria is not the same as having an infection.

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Who needs a TB test for a UK student visa from India?

• If you are travelling to the UK for 6 months or more, you will have to take a TB test.
• The UK government maintains a list of countries where you need to take a TB test for a UK visa application. If you have lived in any of these countries for 6 months or more, or if you were living in any of these countries within the last 6 months, you will have to screen for TB.

When should you take the TB test for a UK student visa?

Apply for a TB test before submitting your application for the UK student visa. This helps avoid potential delays and allows time for retests, if required. Ideally, you should have the certificate ready when you submit your student visa application.

Where can you get a TB test for a UK visa in India?

TB screening for UK visas should be done only at clinics approved by the UK Home Office. There are around 18 approved test locations in India, including in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Lucknow. There are more than 40 test centres in India.

Approved TB test centres in India for a UK student visa

For the complete address and updated list, please refer to the UK government webpage for the tuberculosis testing centres in India.

How to book a TB test for a UK visa in India?

• Once you start working on your UK visa application, contact one of the approved test centres to schedule an appointment. You can find the details of the approved clinics on the UK Home Office Website.
• Choose a preferred clinic.
• Make your booking in person or via phone as conveniently.
• Book early so that you get the TB clearance certificate before your visa application.

It is important to convey to the clinic that the test is for UK visa purposes.

How should you prepare for the tuberculosis test for a UK visa?

• Once you have scheduled the appointment, prepare the required documents.
• Be aware of the test fees and modes of payment.
• Arrive early for the test.
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Follow the instructions given at the clinic.
• Complete the test and ask about the next steps.

Documents required for the TB test

• Passport
• Valid ID proof with your photograph
• TB test fee
• In case you had TB before, those clinical reports will also be helpful.

What happens during the TB test?

• The screening test for TB begins with signing an Informed Consent Form at the clinic.
• The doctor may ask questions about your health history, exposure to TB, other illnesses, etc.
• Following this, a chest X-ray is taken to check for TB.
• If the X-ray is unclear, you may be asked to provide sputum samples.
• Sputum samples are collected in the morning for 3 days.
• A microscopic examination of the sputum is done to rule out or confirm TB.

What happens if the test is negative?

If you test negative for TB, the clinic/hospital will provide you with a medical certificate, which you must submit with your visa application form. The certificate will be valid for 6 months. The medical certificate is essential for you when you are in the UK, and failing to bring it will delay your entry to the UK.

What happens if the test is positive?

You will have to take a sputum test when the chest x-ray is inconclusive. If you have TB, you won’t receive a certificate but will be advised for treatment, and you will be provided with a TB treatment referral letter. Post your treatment, you can test again for TB at any of the embassy-approved clinics/hospitals before applying for a UK visa.

TB test fees for a UK visa

The cost of a TB test for visa purposes varies based on the clinic and its location. For example, in New Delhi, it will cost around 2700 rupees for a TB test certificate, but in Coimbatore, the charges are 1800 rupees. The fee is set by the clinic.

In general, it costs between 1800 to 3000 for a TB test certificate in India.

TB test certificate validity

The TB test certificate is valid for 6 months from the date the test is taken. The short validity period is to ensure that the student is not carrying an active infection while entering the UK. 

The visa application should be submitted within this 6-month window. If the certificate expires, you will have to retake the test.

Frequently Asked Questions about the TB test for the UK visa

1.      What to do after the TB test?

If you don’t have TB, you will be given a certificate, which should be submitted along with your visa application. If it is positive, you will be required to take the treatment for TB. If the test is inconclusive, you might be asked to take additional tests.

3.      Who doesn’t have to take a TB test for a UK visa?

Students coming to the UK for more than 6 months have to take a TB test. The TB test exemptions are rare, for example, if the person is a diplomat or is coming from a country where a TB test is not required.

4.      Is screening allowed after arriving in the UK?

Screening from India is preferred so that you can get yourself tested within the comfort and familiarity of your country. An option is available to get tested upon arrival in the UK.     

5.     How much time is required for a TB test?

Registration, consultation and the X-ray will take a few hours. If sputum samples are required, more time will be taken to complete the test.