TB screening for Guyanese applicants seeking long-term UK visas

The UK Home Office last week announced arrangements for the introduction of pre-entry tuberculosis (TB) screening in Guyana for those applying for long-term visas.

It took effect from October 31st.

A release yesterday from the British High Commission here says that the move  follows the UK Government’s announcement in May 2012 that it would be extending the TB screening requirement to an additional 67 countries, including Guyana, 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.

It said that further details can be found in the news article published on the Home Office’s UK visa website for Guyana at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2013/october/38-tb-guyana

The release said that pre-entry TB screening is not required for those going to the UK as tourists or other types of visitor, except for those seeking a fiancé visa.

“It will be required for all individuals in Guyana 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 a Home Office approved Health Centre in Guyana 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.

“…Applicants who require pre-entry TB screening should contact an approved clinic directly.   A fee is payable for the screening…Further details of the approved Health Centre facilities available in Guyana are on the Home Office’s UK visa website for Guyana at http:// www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/guyana/tb-test/?langname=null”