How to Book TB Test for UK Visa at IOM Nigeria (2026)

Because Nigeria is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a country with a high burden of Tuberculosis, the UK Home Office has instituted a strict public health requirement. If you are a resident of Nigeria applying for a UK visa that lasts longer than 6 months (such as a Tier 4 Student Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa), you are legally required to undergo and pass a Tuberculosis (TB) test before you can even submit your visa application.

This sounds like a simple medical check-up, but in reality, obtaining this certificate is one of the most frustrating bottlenecks in the entire UK immigration process.

During peak admission seasons (June through August), appointments at the approved clinics become scarcer than gold. Students frequently miss their university start dates simply because they could not secure a TB test appointment in time. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly how the IOM process works, how to secure an elusive appointment, and what to expect if your results are flagged.

1. The Exclusivity of IOM: You Cannot Use Your Local Hospital

The most critical piece of information you must absorb is this: The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department does not accept TB certificates from general hospitals, private clinics, or your family doctor.

In Nigeria, the UKVI only accepts certificates issued by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). IOM operates only two approved testing centers in the entire country: one in Ikeja, Lagos, and one in the Central Business District, Abuja. If you live in Port Harcourt, Kano, or Enugu, you must travel to Lagos or Abuja to be tested.

2. How to Book the IOM Appointment

Because thousands of students, workers, and dependents are trying to access only two clinics, the booking system is highly congested.

The Official Booking Portal

You must book your appointment online through the official UKTB portal managed by IOM (mymedical.iom.int). You will create an account, select your destination country (United Kingdom), select your preferred clinic (Lagos or Abuja), and attempt to find an open date on the calendar.

The "No Dates Available" Crisis

If you check the portal in July, you will likely see a calendar completely grayed out with "No appointments available" until October. Do not panic.

3. The Cost and Payment Process

The IOM TB test is not free. The fee is charged in US Dollars but payable in Nigerian Naira at the prevailing IOM exchange rate (which fluctuates).

• Standard Fee: Typically around $150 USD per applicant.
• Payment Method: You cannot pay cash at the clinic. Once you secure an appointment date online, the portal will generate a payment slip. You must take this slip to a designated bank (usually Standard Chartered) and pay over the counter in Naira, or use the specific bank transfer instructions provided. Your appointment is not confirmed until this payment clears.

4. What Happens on the Day of the Test?

The process at the IOM clinic is highly regimented. You must bring:

• Your original International Passport.
• Your printed appointment confirmation email.
• Your proof of payment (bank teller/receipt).

The Medical Procedure: The actual test is a standard chest X-ray. You will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a medical gown. The X-ray takes less than a minute. You will then wait in the lobby for a doctor to review the film. If your lungs are clear, you will be handed your printed, highly secure TB Certificate within a few hours.

5. The Nightmare Scenario: The Sputum Test

If the doctor spots any shadow, scarring, or abnormality on your chest X-ray, they will not issue your certificate. Even if the scar is from an old pneumonia infection you had 10 years ago, IOM protocol dictates they must rule out active Tuberculosis.

6. Strategy: Test Early, Test Validly

Your IOM TB certificate is valid for exactly 6 months from the date of issue.

Because of the severe delays associated with booking, and the catastrophic 8-week delay if you are flagged for a sputum test, the golden rule is to test early. If you are targeting a September intake, you should ideally book and complete your TB test in April or May. This ensures that even if you face an 8-week delay, you will still have your certificate in time to apply for your visa in July or August.

6. What Happens During the IOM Screening?

The TB screening process at the IOM (International Organization for Migration) in Lagos or Abuja is highly standardized. When you arrive for your appointment, you will first undergo a brief physical examination and be asked about your medical history. You will then be sent for a chest X-ray. The X-ray is the primary tool used to detect signs of active tuberculosis in your lungs.

If your X-ray is clear, you will usually receive your certificate the same day or the next working day. The certificate is a small, high-security document with your photo and a unique reference number. You must keep this document safe—you need to upload a scan of it with your visa application and carry the physical original in your hand luggage when you fly to the UK. The Border Force officer at Heathrow or Gatwick may ask to see it.

If the X-ray is "inconclusive" or shows signs of scarring, the IOM will require you to provide sputum samples (mucus from your lungs) for laboratory testing. This is the dreaded "culture test." It takes 8 weeks for the lab to grow the culture and confirm whether you have active TB. During these 8 weeks, your visa application is effectively on hold. This is why we always advise Nigerian students to book their TB test in April or May, just in case they are selected for a sputum test.

7. TB Test Validity and the "6-Month" Rule

Your IOM TB certificate is valid for exactly 6 months from the date of the X-ray. If you take your test in January for a September course, the certificate will expire in July. You would then need to retake the test and pay the fee (approx. ₦60,000) again. The ideal time to take your TB test is 3 to 4 months before your intended travel date. This ensures the certificate is valid both for your visa application and for your entry into the UK.

8. Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Your Health and Your Visa

The TB test is a mandatory and essential part of the UK’s commitment to public health. For Nigerian students, it is also a critical step in the visa process that requires careful timing and preparation. By booking your appointment early, following the IOM’s instructions meticulously, and keeping your certificate safe, you eliminate one of the most common administrative bottlenecks in the visa journey. Your health and your academic future are intertwined—protect them both with the diligence they deserve.

At Fabeny Consulting, we provide real-time updates on IOM appointment availability in Lagos and Abuja. We help our clients schedule their tests at the optimal time to ensure their certificates are valid for both their visa application and their travel. Our post-arrival support also includes guidance on NHS registration, ensuring you continue to receive world-class care in the UK. Trust the experts at Fabeny to manage every detail of your UK journey. Your successful, healthy student life begins here.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a TB test from a private hospital? No. The UKVI only accepts TB certificates from the IOM centers in Lagos and Abuja. A test from any other hospital, no matter how reputable, will be rejected. This is to ensure a standardized and high-security screening process. Ensure you book only through the official IOM website to avoid scams.

What if I am pregnant? If you are pregnant, you should inform the IOM staff. They can offer a modified screening process, often involving a sputum test instead of an X-ray, or using a lead shield to protect the baby. The goal is to ensure both your safety and the accuracy of the TB screening. Your health and the health of your child are our top priority.