Tuberculosis screening required for UK long term visa applicants
Tuberculosis screening required from 1st July 2013
The British High Commission Banjul has today announced the arrangements for the introduction of pre-entry tuberculosis (TB) screening in Gambia starting on 01 July 2013.
This follows the UK Government’s announcement in May 2012 that it would be extending this requirement to an additional 67 countries, including The Gambia, 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.
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 visa. It will be required for all individuals in The Gambia 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 the Fajara Medical Centre to show that they are free of TB before they make a UK visa application. Applicants will need to include the TB certificate with their visa application.
For further information on how to obtain the TB certificate please contact the International Organisation for Migration on 4376152 or the Fajara Medical Centre on 7468858.
NOTES TO EDITORS
- On 21 May 2012, the UK government announced plans to extend pre-entry TB screening to a further 67 countries, including The Gambia. Further background is contained in our press release ofcopy