A tuberculosis certificate for a UK visa is an immigration screening document, not a general medical report. When the rule applies, the examination must be completed at a clinic approved by the UK Home Office. A certificate from another hospital cannot replace it, even if the same type of chest X-ray was performed.
Check whether the rule applies
GOV.UK generally requires testing when a person is coming to the UK for six months or more and has lived for at least six months in a listed country within the relevant recent period. Nigeria is on the country list. The rules also cover certain returning residents and fiancé or proposed civil partner applications even where the initial permission is shorter.
There are exemptions, including some accredited diplomats and certain returning residents, and a child’s examination procedure can differ. Use the GOV.UK checker for the intended visa and residence history. Do not book merely because a friend on another route needed a certificate.
Choose an approved Nigerian clinic
Open the current GOV.UK page titled “Tuberculosis testing in Nigeria”. It lists approved clinics and their contact details in locations including Abuja, Benin and Lagos. The page was updated on 13 May 2026 when this guide was reviewed, but clinics, addresses and instructions can change.
Contact the clinic through the details on GOV.UK and say the examination is for a UK visa. An agent cannot approve an alternative hospital. Beware of copied clinic pages, personal bank accounts or claims that a fee can buy a negative result.
Book safely and prepare documents
Follow the selected clinic’s booking method. The official Nigeria page explains what to bring and how to pay. Applicants commonly need the original passport or another permitted photographic identification, recent photographs if requested, and details of the intended UK address.
Bring prior TB screening or treatment records when relevant and disclose symptoms honestly. If pregnant or possibly pregnant, tell the clinic before imaging so staff can explain the available procedure. A parent or guardian should check the clinic’s instructions for a child and bring the required identity and consent material.
Make sure the passport used at the clinic is the one intended for the visa application. A new passport or incorrect spelling can create a mismatch that should be resolved before submission.
Know what happens at the clinic
The standard screening commonly involves a chest X-ray. If the result is unclear, the clinic may require a sputum test, which takes longer because samples and laboratory analysis are involved. The clinic–not a recruiter or school–determines the medical screening steps under the approved process.
The examination does not decide the visa. It establishes whether the required TB certificate can be issued at that point. If further assessment or treatment is necessary, follow professional medical advice and do not attempt to submit a substituted report.
Check the certificate and timing
When issued, check the name, passport number, date of birth and certificate dates before leaving or immediately on receipt. Keep the original safe and retain a scan. Upload or present it according to the visa application instructions.
A TB certificate is normally valid for six months from the X-ray date, although the certificate and GOV.UK instructions control the individual case. Plan backwards from the visa submission and likely travel date. Testing too early can cause expiry; testing just before the deadline leaves no margin for sputum testing or corrections.
If the certificate expires before a new application is submitted, obtain current official advice and expect that another approved test may be required. A certificate does not extend the visa application window or guarantee approval.
Budget without relying on an old fee
Approved-clinic charges can vary by age, clinic and current tariff. Use the amount and payment directions on the live GOV.UK Nigeria clinic page or confirm them directly through the published clinic contact. The TB charge is separate from the visa application fee, IHS, transport and any additional investigation.
Keep the official receipt. Do not transfer money using bank details sent only through an unsolicited chat message. After receiving the certificate, continue with the UK visa application process and include the test in the complete UK visa budget.
UK TB test FAQ
Can I use a TB result from any Nigerian hospital?
No. When the immigration rule applies, the certificate must come from a clinic approved by the UK Home Office.
How long is a UK visa TB certificate valid?
It is normally valid for six months from the X-ray date. Check the actual certificate and current GOV.UK instruction.
Will I receive the certificate on the same day?
It may be issued quickly when screening is clear, but further tests such as sputum analysis can make the process considerably longer.
Do children need a tuberculosis test?
The requirement can apply to children, but the clinic determines the age-appropriate assessment and whether an X-ray is needed.
Does a clear TB certificate mean the visa is approved?
No. It satisfies one health-document requirement; UKVI still assesses every other immigration requirement.
Official sources
Immigration rules can change without notice. Check the relevant authority before paying a fee, booking travel or submitting an application.