UK TB Test for South Africans: Cost, Clinics and Who Needs It (2026)
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Quick answer
South Africans need a TB test for UK visas of 6 months or more, plus fiancé(e) and Returning Resident visas. It costs $160 (about R2,660) per adult at IOM clinics in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria, or R3,000 at Hatmed in Pretoria, with lower fees for children under 11. The certificate is valid for 6 months.
South Africa is on the UK's list of countries where visa applicants need a tuberculosis (TB) test. It's a quick chest X-ray, but it has to be done at a Home Office-approved clinic, and there are only four in the country.
Dollar figures are converted at R16.64/$ (27 Oct 2026).
Who needs a TB test for a UK visa?
You need one if you're applying to come to the UK for 6 months or more and you've lived in South Africa for at least 6 months.
| Visa | TB test needed? |
|---|---|
| Standard Visitor (including 2, 5 and 10-year visas) | No |
| Skilled Worker / Health and Care Worker | Yes |
| UK Ancestry | Yes |
| Student (course over 6 months) | Yes |
| Spouse / Partner | Yes |
| Fiancé(e) | Yes, even though it's only 6 months |
| Returning Resident | Yes, even for shorter stays |
Everyone applying needs their own certificate, including children.
How much does the TB test cost?
| Clinic | Age 11 and over | Under 11 | How to pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| IOM clinics (Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria) | $160 (about R2,660) | $90 (about R1,500) | Bank transfer before your appointment |
| Hatmed Medical Centre (Pretoria) | R3,000 | R1,500 | Card or cash at the appointment |
The fee is on top of your visa fee and isn't refunded if you test positive, don't travel, or your visa is refused. A replacement certificate from an IOM clinic costs $5 (about R80).
For a family of four (two adults and two children under 11), budget about R8,320 at an IOM clinic, or R9,000 at Hatmed.
Where are the approved clinics?
| City | Clinic |
|---|---|
| Cape Town | Intercare Century City (run with IOM) |
| Durban | ShipMed Medical Services, Glenwood (run with IOM) |
| Pretoria | IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre, Muckleneuk |
| Pretoria | Hatmed Medical Centre, Hatfield |
There's no approved clinic in Johannesburg, Gqeberha, East London or Bloemfontein. If you live elsewhere, you'll need to travel to one of these cities. Try to plan it around your VFS biometrics appointment to save a trip.
Tests from other clinics or your own GP aren't accepted. Only a certificate from a Home Office-approved clinic will do.
How do you book?
- Book an appointment first. Don't arrive without one, and say the test is for a UK visa. Most IOM clinics take online bookings: register-uktb.iom.int (Cape Town and Durban) or mymedical.iom.int (Pretoria). Contact the clinic directly if you've had a UK TB test before, or you're booking for children.
- Pay in advance at IOM clinics, by bank transfer using your booking reference.
- Bring your original passport, proof of payment and your booking reference.
Appointments are usually available within a few days, but can take up to 10 days in busy periods, especially June to September.
What happens at the test?
- Adults and children 11 and over have a chest X-ray. If the result isn't clear, you may need to give a sputum (phlegm) sample, which takes longer.
- Children under 11 see a clinician for a physical examination, and usually don't need an X-ray.
- Under-18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
If you're clear, you get a certificate to include with your visa application.
How long is the certificate valid?
6 months from the date of your X-ray (or examination, for young children). Book your TB test close to when you plan to apply, so it doesn't expire before you submit your visa application.
Common questions
Do South Africans need a TB test for a UK visa?
Yes, if you're going to the UK for 6 months or more, for example on a Skilled Worker, Ancestry, Student or Spouse visa. Fiancé(e) and Returning Resident visas need one even for shorter stays. Standard Visitor visas don't.
How much does the UK TB test cost in South Africa?
At the IOM clinics in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria it's $160 (about R2,660) for ages 11 and over and $90 (about R1,500) for under-11s. At Hatmed in Pretoria it's R3,000 and R1,500.
Where can I get a UK visa TB test in South Africa?
Only at Home Office-approved clinics: Intercare Century City (Cape Town), ShipMed in Glenwood (Durban), and Hatmed and the IOM centre in Pretoria. There's no approved clinic in Johannesburg, Gqeberha or Bloemfontein.
How long is the TB certificate valid?
6 months from the date of your chest X-ray (or medical exam for young children). Apply for your visa within that time.
Do children need a TB test for a UK visa?
Yes, every child applying needs to see a clinician. Children under 11 usually have a physical examination instead of an X-ray, and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Sources
General information, not legal or financial advice. Costs change; check official sources.