Is the Tuberculosis (TB) Test Mandatory for All Nationalities?
No, the Tuberculosis (TB) test result is only mandatory for citizens of 35 designated “high-risk” countries. If you are a citizen of one of these countries and plan to stay in South Korea for more than 90 days (Long-term visa), you must submit a TB test certificate issued by an immigration-designated hospital.
1. The 35 Designated High-Risk Countries (2026)
If your nationality is on this list, you must submit a TB test result when applying for a long-term visa or extending your stay.
The List:
- Asia: Nepal, East Timor, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, India, Indonesia, China, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, Pakistan, Philippines.
- Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Kenya, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Angola, Nigeria, etc.
- Europe/CIS: Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan.
(Note: The list is updated periodically by the Ministry of Justice. Always check the latest notice on HiKorea.)
2. Key Rules for the TB Test Certificate
Who must submit?
- Citizens of the 35 countries mentioned above.
- Those applying for a Long-term Visa (more than 90 days).
- International students (D-2), Language trainees (D-4), and Skilled workers (E-7).
Where to get tested?
- In Korea: You must visit a Public Health Center (Bo-geon-so) or an Immigration-Designated Hospital. General clinics are not accepted.
- Outside Korea: You must visit a hospital designated by the Korean Embassy in your home country.
Validity Period
- The certificate is usually valid for 3 months from the date of issue. Ensure your visa application is submitted within this window.
3. Exemptions to the Rule
Even if you are from a high-risk country, you might be exempt if:
- You are applying for a Short-term Visa (C-3) for less than 90 days.
- You are a child under the age of 6.
- You are a diplomat (A-1) or on official government business (A-2).
🔗 Official Resource: HiKorea Law Link
For the most current list of designated hospitals and countries, refer to the official Immigration Guide on HiKorea: