The Immigrant health screening conducts health checks for refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants from countries outside the European Economic Area upon their arrival in Iceland.

After the examination a health certificate is issued for those applying for work and residence permits in Iceland.

Doctor’s interview and examination

The following tests are usually performed:

• Tuberculosis test for those aged 35 or younger.

• Chest X-ray for those older than 35 to rule out active tuberculosis.

• Blood tests to check for:

  • HIV

  • Hepatitis B and C

  • Syphilis

In some cases the doctor may determine that additional tests are needed based on the patient’s medical history.

Follow-up interview and examination if needed

Individuals undergoing the tuberculosis test must attend twice. The reading of the test is done 2–3 days after it is administered. If the test is positive, a chest X-ray is taken to rule out active tuberculosis.

If results of HIV, hepatitis, or syphilis tests indicate concern, the patient is called back for a follow-up interview and guided to the best treatment options at Landspítali University Hospital.

Health certificate

If all test results are normal the doctor issues a health certificate.

The issuance of the certificate can generally be expected to take 1 to 2 weeks.