Tuberculosis (TB) Certificate Requirements for Korea Visa — 35 High-Risk Countries & When It Applies

Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare designates countries with a TB incidence rate above a threshold as 'high-risk' for TB certificate requirements. The current list of 35 countries is subject to revision — always confirm the current list at HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) or the nearest Korean embassy before applying.

Current designated high-risk countries (as of 2026 — verify for current year):

Nepal, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, Moldova, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, DRC (Congo), Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Senegal, Haiti, Papua New Guinea

*Note: The list is revised annually by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Some countries are added or removed based on current epidemiological data. Confirm the current list before applying.*

The TB certificate is required at these specific immigration checkpoints:

1. Visa application (overseas):

When applying for a long-stay visa (D-series, E-series, F-series, H-series) at a Korean embassy or consulate, nationals of the 35 high-risk countries must submit a TB certificate with their visa application.

2. Alien Registration Card (ARC) registration:

When registering for an ARC at the immigration office within 90 days of arrival — even if a TB certificate was already submitted for the visa, some status types require re-submission or an updated certificate at ARC registration.

3. Visa status change:

When changing from a short-stay status (C-3, tourist entry) to a long-stay status at the immigration office.

4. Visa renewal (in some cases):

For renewals of long-stay visas where the certificate validity has expired, a new TB certificate may be required.

Short-stay visitors (C-3 / tourist / business): Generally NOT required to submit a TB certificate for short-stay visas, though the embassy may request it in specific cases.

The following individuals are exempt from the TB certificate requirement even if their nationality is on the 35-country list:

• Children under 6 years old — no TB certificate required at any stage

• Pregnant women — exempted due to radiation exposure risk from chest X-ray

• A-1, A-2, A-3 holders (diplomats and government officials) — exempt from TB testing

• Individuals with a medical contraindication to chest X-ray — must provide a doctor's letter explaining the contraindication; immigration will determine the alternative

Note: Exempted individuals may be required to undergo TB screening after arrival in Korea in some circumstances.

What the TB certificate must show:

• Your full name (as on passport)

• Date of birth

• Passport number

• Date of chest X-ray

• Radiologist's or physician's interpretation of the chest X-ray (confirming no active TB lesions)

• Issuing hospital or clinic letterhead and physician stamp

• For X-ray with suspicious findings: sputum test result (AFB smear and culture) confirming no active pulmonary TB

Validity period:

• The TB certificate is valid for 3 months from the date of the chest X-ray

• If your visa application processing takes longer than 3 months, you may need to get a new chest X-ray

Where to get the test:

• Designated health facilities authorized by the Korean embassy/consulate in your country — some embassies require testing at specific hospitals

• Check the Korean embassy website in your country for the list of designated facilities

• General hospitals and clinics in most countries offer chest X-ray services; confirm they will issue an English (or Korean) certificate in the required format

Submission method:

The TB certificate is typically submitted in a sealed envelope at the Korean embassy and/or at the immigration office. Do not open the sealed envelope provided by the medical facility.