IOM Colombo TB Screening: The Complete UK Visa Health Check Guide for Sri Lankan Applicants
TL;DR: If you are applying for a UK visa of six months or longer from Sri Lanka, you need a tuberculosis (TB) screening certificate from the IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre in Colombo. No other clinic's certificate is accepted. The appointment takes one to two hours, your certificate is usually issued the same day, costs USD 30 to 60 (paid in Sri Lankan rupees cash), and is valid for six months. Book within four to six weeks of your visa application date.
If you are applying for a UK visa of six months or longer from Sri Lanka, you will need a tuberculosis (TB) screening certificate. Here is exactly what to expect at the IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre in Colombo, and the small details that catch most applicants off guard.
The UK requires TB screening for visa applicants from countries with a high TB burden, including Sri Lanka. The screening must be done at an approved International Organization for Migration (IOM) clinic. For Sri Lanka, that means the IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC) in Colombo. No other clinic's certificate will be accepted.
Most applicants find the process straightforward once they know what to expect. The full appointment usually takes 1 to 2 hours, and your TB certificate is typically issued the same day if your chest X-ray is clear.
Who Needs a UK Migration Health Assessment?
You need TB screening at IOM Colombo if you meet both of these conditions:
You are applying for a UK visa of six months or longer (student, work, family, dependant, or settlement)
You have been living in or have travelled to a country on the UK's TB-screening list within the last six months, and Sri Lanka is on this list
Visitor visas under six months do not usually require TB screening. If you are unsure whether your visa category needs it, the UK government's official TB screening guidance lists the requirements by visa type (GOV.UK, Tuberculosis tests for a UK visa).
When to Book Your Appointment
This is the single most important detail most applicants miss: your IOM TB certificate is valid for only six months from the date of issue. If your visa is refused or delayed past that window, you will have to redo the screening and pay again.
Recommended timing: book your IOM appointment within four to six weeks of your planned UK visa application date. Early enough to have the certificate in hand when you submit, late enough that the certificate will not expire before your visa is issued.
How to Book an IOM Colombo Appointment
There are four ways to schedule:
Online via MyMedical IOM, the fastest method. Visit mymedical.iom.int and follow the booking flow.
eChannelling, Sri Lanka's national appointment platform.
Phone, call +94 11 203 1700, weekdays 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Email, [email protected].
IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre, Colombo
Address: IBSL Building, No. 80A, Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 00800, Sri Lanka
Phone: +94 11 203 1700
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Email: [email protected]
Website: srilanka.iom.int/health-assesment
What to Expect on the Day
The standard process at IOM has four stages:
Registration. Present your documents at reception.
Counselling. A short briefing on the assessment process, where you will sign an informed consent form.
Medical examination. Review of medical history, physical examination if clinically indicated, and a chest X-ray (for applicants 11 and older).
Clearance certificate. Issued the same day if all tests are normal.
What Is Tested by Age Group
Children under 11 years
Medical history and symptoms review
Physical examination if clinically indicated
No chest X-ray required
Applicants 11 and older
Medical history and symptoms review
Physical examination if clinically indicated
Chest X-ray
Special Considerations
Children and Minors
Applicants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide consent. If the parent cannot attend, the accompanying guardian must bring a legal authorisation letter.
Pregnancy
If you are a woman of childbearing age, you may be asked to provide a urine sample for a pregnancy test before the chest X-ray. If you are pregnant, you have three options:
Proceed with the chest X-ray using double lead shielding
Opt for sputum testing instead, with three samples over three consecutive days
Postpone the assessment until after delivery
None of these options affect your visa decision. Do not conceal pregnancy. Disclose it at registration.
If TB Is Suspected
If your chest X-ray or symptoms raise concerns, the doctor will request sputum samples taken over three consecutive days. Lab results take 8 to 10 weeks. If active TB is confirmed, you will need to complete treatment before your immigration process can continue. Latent TB (no active symptoms) does not usually disqualify you, but it must be documented.
What to Bring
Identification
Original passport
National ID card or driving licence
For minors: photo ID of the accompanying parent or guardian, plus original birth certificate and a photocopy
Medical Records
Any previous chest X-rays, particularly if you have been diagnosed with or treated for TB before
Other Documents
Two recent passport-size colour photographs with a white background
Your full Sri Lankan address (with phone and email) and your full UK address (with postcode and phone)
Your UK sponsor's full name, if you are a dependant
Fees and Payment
IOM Colombo charges in US dollars but accepts payment in Sri Lankan rupees on the day:
Children under 11: USD 30 (LKR equivalent at the day's rate)
11 and older: USD 60 (LKR equivalent at the day's rate)
Cash only. No card or bank transfer payments are accepted at the centre. Bring rupees, not dollars.
Practical Advice for the Day
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
You do not need to fast.
If a physical examination is needed, you will be asked to change into a medical gown (underwear stays on). You can request a chaperone.
Only the applicant is allowed inside the centre. Companions and family wait outside. The exception is a parent or guardian for a minor.
If you or your child are unwell on the day, reschedule. Do not attend with a fever or active illness.
Bring an umbrella, as there is no covered waiting area outside the building.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the IOM TB certificate valid? Six months from the date of issue. Apply for your UK visa within this window or you will need to repeat the screening.
Can I do the TB screening at any clinic? No. The UK Home Office only accepts certificates from IOM-approved clinics. In Sri Lanka, that is the IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre in Colombo. Certificates from any other doctor or hospital will be rejected.
How long does the appointment take? Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the full process, including registration, counselling, examination, X-ray, and certificate issuance.
What if I have latent TB? Latent TB (no active symptoms) does not usually prevent visa approval, but the diagnosis must be documented in your medical records. Active TB requires complete treatment before your visa process can continue.
Do I need a referral from my doctor? No. You book directly with IOM. No GP referral is needed.
Can I reschedule if I am sick on the day? Yes, and you should. Contact IOM by phone or email as soon as possible to rebook.
Final Checklist
Before you leave home for your IOM appointment, confirm you have:
Original passport
National ID or driving licence
Two passport-size photos (white background)
Sri Lankan and UK addresses with contact details
Sponsor's name (if a dependant)
Sufficient cash in LKR (around LKR 18,000 to 20,000 for adults at current rates)
Previous medical records or chest X-rays (if applicable)
Birth certificate and parent/guardian ID (for minors)
References
UK Visas and Immigration. Tuberculosis tests for a UK visa. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/tb-test-visa
International Organization for Migration. MyMedical Appointment Portal. https://mymedical.iom.int
International Organization for Migration Sri Lanka. Health Assessment Programme. https://srilanka.iom.int/health-assesment
This guide reflects the IOM Colombo process at the time of writing. Procedures and fees occasionally change. Confirm directly with IOM by phone or via the official IOM Sri Lanka health assessment page before your appointment.
Once your TB clearance is in hand, the next step is the full UK visa application. The applicants who get to that stage with the cleanest documentation and the strongest case are the ones working with an advisor who has been through every stage of the process before.
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