Pre-entry TB screening in South Korea for long-term UK visas
Pre-entry Tuberculosis screening for all individuals applying in South Korea for long-term UK visas from 31 December 2013.
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has today announced the arrangements for the introduction of pre-entry tuberculosis (TB) screening in South Korea starting on 31 December 2013.
This follows the UK Government’s announcement in May 2012 that it would be extending this requirement to an additional 67 countries, including South Korea, based on the figures for high TB incidence provided by the World Health Organisation.
This brings the UK into line with the practice of a number of other countries including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Further details can be found in the news article published on the Home Office’s website.
Pre-entry TB screening is not required for those going to the UK as a tourist or other type of visitor, except for those applying for a fiancé(e) visa. It will be required for all individuals in South Korea who are applying for a UK visa which is longer than 6 months including those applying for a Tier 4 student visa. The process will require individuals to be screened and obtain a certificate from UKVI approved Health Centres in Seoul to show that they are free of TB before they make a UK visa application. They will need to include the TB certificate with their visa application.
The requirement for pre-entry TB screening will begin from 31 December 2013. Applicants who require pre-entry TB screening should contact one of the approved clinics to schedule an appointment for screening. A fee for the screening will be payable directly to the clinic. No appointments should be made prior to 31st December.
Further details of the approved Health Centre facilities available in South Korea are on the UK Visas and Immigration website.