South Korea entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders can travel to South Korea without a traditional visa for stays up to 180 days, but you must get a K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) before you fly. It's a quick online approval, not a visa — think of it as a pre-flight security check. The K-ETA costs 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD) and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Apply for South Korea eVisaRequired for most visa-exempt nationalities flying to South Korea. Not a visa — approval is linked electronically to your passport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Even though you don't need a traditional visa, you must get this online pre-authorization before flying. Visa-free entry authorization | Canadian passport holders must obtain a K-ETA before travel. Apply online at the official K-ETA website (https://www.k-eta.go.kr) at least 3 days before departure. The K-ETA costs 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD), is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry (whichever comes first), and allows a stay of up to 180 days. Processing typically takes 24-72 hours. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into South Korea. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave South Korea before your 180-day stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems at entry. Sufficient financial means | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards). No specific amount is officially published, but you should have enough to cover accommodation, food, and expenses. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou'll fill out the usual forms on the plane or at the airport. Customs and immigration form | No separate arrival declaration is required for Canadian citizens; standard immigration and customs forms are provided on arrival. | Not required |
K-ETA is mandatory — don't skip it
Even though you don't need a visa, the K-ETA is required for all visa-free travellers. It's a quick online form, but if you forget it, you'll be denied boarding. Apply at least 3 days ahead.
Multiple entries for 2 years
Your K-ETA is valid for 2 years, so you can visit South Korea multiple times without reapplying. Just make sure your passport doesn't expire before the K-ETA does.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for K-ETA online
Go to https://www.k-eta.go.kr, fill in your passport details, travel info, and answer a few questions. Pay the 10,000 KRW fee with a credit card. Approval usually comes within 24–72 hours, but apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe.
2
Check in and board
At the airport, the airline will verify your K-ETA is approved. Have your passport and K-ETA confirmation (printed or on your phone) ready. Without approval, you won't get a boarding pass.
3
Arrive at Incheon or Gimpo
Follow signs for 'Foreign Passport' immigration. Present your passport to the officer — they'll scan it, stamp it, and you're through. The whole process usually takes under 15 minutes if you have your documents ready.
4
Enjoy your stay
You're allowed up to 180 days per entry. The K-ETA is valid for multiple entries for 2 years, so you can come and go without reapplying.
Download South Korea Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Short-term Visit Visa (C-3)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostSingle entry: $40 USD; Double entry: $60 USD; Multiple entry: $90 USD (fees vary by embassy)
For those not eligible for K-ETA or needing longer stay; apply at Korean embassy.
Long-term Stay Visa (e.g., D-2 Student, E-7 Work)
Max stayVaries by visa type (typically 1-2 years)
ValidityIssued for duration of study/employment
CostVaries; typically $60-$90 USD
Requires sponsorship from Korean institution/employer.
work visa
E-7 Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$50–100 USD
For skilled professionals with a job offer in South Korea. Requires employer sponsorship and relevant qualifications.
student visa
D-2 Student Visa
Up to 2 years, renewable
~$50–100 USD
For those enrolled in a Korean university or language program. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
digital nomad visa
Digital Nomad Visa (F-2-D)
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD
For remote workers with stable income from abroad. Requires proof of employment and minimum income threshold.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for visa-free entry; apply online before travel. | Free (temporarily waived for Canadian citizens through 2026) |
| Visa extensionPossible for certain purposes; apply at immigration office before expiry. | Approximately 60,000 KRW (about $45 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through South Korea
No transit visa needed
Canadian citizens transiting through South Korea do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours. For landside transit (entering Korea), visa-free entry applies for up to 180 days.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the international transit area, standard visa-free entry applies (no separate transit visa needed).
Transit hubsIncheon International Airport (ICN) · Gimpo International Airport (GMP) · Jeju International Airport (CJU)
Health & vaccines for South Korea
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu)Essential
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Fine particulate matter can be high in urban areas, especially during spring.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard hygiene is good, but travelers should be cautious with street food.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Seoul
Seoul Immigration Office
319, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Main office for visa extensions and re-entry permits.
Busan
Busan Immigration Office
120, Jungang-daero, Busanjin-gu, Busan
Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00
Handles visa-related services for the southern region.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalSeoul
LanguageKorean
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1,543.91 KRW
Time zone
Local timeUTC+9
vs New York+14h (EST) / +13h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+17h (PST) / +16h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage220V / 60Hz
Plug types
C,FType C, F — US plugs do not fit. Bring a European adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink. Most Koreans prefer filtered water.
Emergency numbers
Getting to South Korea
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to South Korea — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need a traditional visa. You need a K-ETA, which is an electronic travel authorization. It's quick and cheap — about $7 USD — and valid for 2 years.
You can stay up to 180 days per entry. The K-ETA itself is valid for multiple entries for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
If your K-ETA application is denied, you'll need to apply for a visa at the nearest South Korean embassy or consulate. This is rare for Canadian citizens, but it can happen if there's an error in your application or a background issue.
No, the K-ETA does not allow extensions. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, but that resets your 180-day limit. For longer stays, you'd need a different visa type.
No, it's an electronic travel authorization. It's much simpler — you apply online, pay a small fee, and get approved quickly. A visa requires a formal application at an embassy and takes longer.
If you're staying airside and not passing through immigration, you don't need a K-ETA. But if you plan to leave the airport, even for a few hours, you must have one.
No, you must apply online before you fly. There's no on-arrival process. Without an approved K-ETA, you won't be allowed to board your flight.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.