Tuberculosis Test For UK Visa In Nigeria: Clinics & Fees

Thinking about travelling from Nigeria to the UK? Perhaps you’re planning to study, work, or visit family for an extended period. Then you’ll likely need a tuberculosis (TB) test before getting your visa.

According to the WHO, Nigeria has 4.6% of the global number of new TB cases. About 440,000 people in Nigeria got sick with TB in 2022 alone. That’s why a Tuberculosis test for UK visa in Nigeria is a must if you plan to stay there for over six months.

But what’s the process? What is the cost of the tuberculosis test for a UK visa in Nigeria? These are the most frequently asked questions. And we’ll explain it all and much more in this guide.

Let’s help you get it right the first time!

Why Is a TB Test Required for a UK Visa?

TB is a lung disease that spreads through the air when people cough or sneeze. It can be dangerous if not treated early. To prevent the individual from worsening or passing the infection on to others, TB screening is a must.

A tuberculosis (TB) test is compulsory if you wish to stay in the UK for over 6 months. This rule follows the UK’s immigration health policy. If you’re from a country with many TB cases, the test is compulsory. Nigeria is one of those countries.

If you skip this test, your visa might get delayed or even refused. You also must use a UK-approved clinic for the test. Only approved test certificates are accepted during the UK visa health screening process.

It’s not required for any tourist visa in the UK. You need the test if you’re applying for:

• Work visas
• Student visas
• Family visas
• Settlement visas

Countries That Require a TB Test for UK Visa Applicants

Here is the complete list of countries requiring TB tests:

• Afghanistan
• Algeria
• Angola
• Armenia
• Azerbaijan
• Bangladesh
• Belarus
• Benin
• Bhutan
• Bolivia
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Burkina Faso
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Chad
• China
• Colombia
• Comoros
• Congo
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Djibouti
• Dominican Republic
• East Timor
• Ecuador
• Egypt
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Eritrea
• Eswatini (Swaziland)
• Ethiopia
• Fiji
• Gabon
• Gambia
• Georgia
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• India
• Indonesia
• Iraq
• Kazakhstan
• Kenya
• Kiribati
• North Korea
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Lesotho
• Liberia
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Mali
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Mongolia
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Namibia
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Niger
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Palau
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Philippines
• Qatar
• Russia
• Rwanda
• São Tomé and Príncipe
• Senegal
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• Sri Lanka
• Sudan
• Suriname
• Swaziland (Eswatini)
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Togo
• Turkmenistan
• Tuvalu
• Uganda
• Ukraine
• Uzbekistan
• Vanuatu
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Yemen
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

How Much Is a Tuberculosis Test for a UK Visa in Nigeria?

The TB test fee varies depending on the clinic you choose. Approved clinics charge in either U.S. dollars (USD) or Nigerian naira (₦). You pay in naira at the clinic using the current exchange rate.

It’s essential to book at UK Home Office-approved clinics only. If you visit a non-approved clinic, your certificate will be rejected.

TB Test Payment Methods

IOM clinics ask for bank transfers only. You must pay before your appointment. Bring proof of payment. Private clinics accept online payments or bank deposits.

Approved TB Test Clinics in Nigeria: Full 2025 List

As mentioned earlier, only specific clinics are approved to carry out TB tests for UK visas. The UK Home Office maintains a list of these clinics. Appointments often fill up fast, especially during student or holiday seasons. So, try to book your test early to avoid last-minute problems.

Here’s the 2025 list of approved TB clinics in Nigeria:

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your TB Certificate

Let’s walk through each step, from booking to getting your result.

Step 1: Book an Appointment

First, call or visit the clinic’s website to book your test. Select a date and time that suits you. Try to book early. Bring your passport and payment slip on the test day.

Step 2: Fill out the Consent Form

At the clinic, you will be asked to fill out a form. This is called an informed consent form. It means you agree to the screening.

Step 3: Doctor Consultation

A doctor will ask you a series of questions. These include your health history, past illnesses, or contact with TB. They may check your chest or listen to your lungs. This part is pretty quick.

Step 4: Chest X-Ray

After that, you’ll take a chest X-ray. You’ll be given a gown and asked to remove clothes from the top half. The X-ray checks for any signs of TB in your lungs. It usually takes only a few minutes.

If your X-ray is clear, you’ll get your TB certificate in 1–3 days. The TB test certificate is valid for 6 months. You must submit it with your visa application.

Step 5: Sputum Test (If Needed)

Sometimes, the X-ray shows unclear results. In that case, the doctor will ask for a sputum test. You’ll provide three morning samples at the clinic.

The samples are tested in the lab for TB bacteria. This process takes approximately 8 weeks. You must wait for your results before applying for a visa.

Who Doesn’t Need a TB Test?

Not everyone needs a TB test to apply for a UK visa. There are some exceptions, and it’s beneficial to be aware of them early. This can help you save time and money during your visa process.

Here’s who is usually exempt from the TB test:

• You are a diplomat officially accredited to the UK.
• You are a UK resident returning after less than two years abroad.
• You are joining the UK through a Ukrainian support scheme.

Pregnancy and TB testing

Now, if you are pregnant, the rules are a bit different. You still need a TB check, but you have three choices:

• You can take a chest X-ray with a special shield to protect your baby.
• You can take a sputum test instead (it may cost more and take longer).
• You can wait until after giving birth to take the test.

If you’re unsure whether you need the test, refer to the UK TB Test Rules.

Nigerian Students: Avoid Visa Delays with These TB Test Tips

Are you a Nigerian student planning to study in the UK? Then this section is for you. The TB test is not just a formality. It’s a required step for all students staying longer than six months.

Failing to complete this test can result in significant delays in your visa application. In some cases, it may even lead to visa refusal. That’s why it’s crucial to get tested early and thoroughly.

Most student visa delays occur due to incomplete health checks. And the TB test is a common reason. So, take it seriously from the start.

Here are a few easy tips just for students:

• Book early: Clinics fill up fast between May and September.
• Double-check the clinic: Only use approved clinics in Nigeria.
• Carry your passport: You’ll need it for the test.
• Know your payment options: Some clinics require bank transfers in advance.
• Keep your certificate safe: You’ll need to upload or submit it during visa processing.

Some clinics offer student-friendly pricing or expedited booking options. So, don’t be afraid to ask if there’s a special rate for students. Additionally, verify if the clinic offers expedited processing. Some do for an extra fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Getting a tuberculosis test for UK visa in Nigeria is one of the most essential parts of your application. If you miss it or do it at the wrong place, your whole plan can fall apart. We hope this guide has made everything easier to understand. From clinic lists to test steps, now you know what to expect. Take the test early, follow the rules, and keep your certificate safe. Whether you’re going to study, work, or reunite with family, this test gets you one step closer.