Canada entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South Korean passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for tourism or business visits. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | South Korean passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing times vary from a few weeks to months. Submit your application well before your travel date.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Canada. No specific minimum validity beyond your departure date is required, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Without one, you risk being denied entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers may ask where you are staying for the first few nights. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. There is no fixed amount, but around CAD $1,000–$2,000 per month is a safe benchmark. Officers may ask how you will pay for expenses. | Recommended |
Visa processing can be slow
Apply at least 3 months before your planned departure. During peak seasons (summer, holidays), processing can take 8 weeks or more. Don't book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Multiple-entry visa is worth it
For CAD $500, you get a visa valid for up to 10 years — you can enter Canada multiple times without reapplying. If you plan to visit more than once, it's cheaper than paying $100 each time.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC). Create an account, fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, travel history, financial proof), and pay the fee (CAD $100 for a single entry, CAD $500 for a multiple-entry visa). Processing takes 2–8 weeks depending on your home country.
2
Wait for visa decision
You'll receive an email when a decision is made. If approved, the visa is stamped in your passport — you'll need to mail your passport to the nearest visa application centre (VAC) or drop it off in person. Processing at the VAC adds 1–2 weeks.
3
Travel to Canada
At the airport in Canada (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International), go to the 'Visitors' queue. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The border officer may ask about your plans and funds. Answer honestly — they can deny entry even with a valid visa.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay5 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs; requires medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
Employer-specific; varies
For skilled workers with a Canadian job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows long-term stay and possible path to permanent residence.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of program + 90 days, renewable
CAD 150 (~USD 113)
For international students enrolled at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work and post-graduation work permit.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,610) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residence.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most visa applicants. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extension feeFee for applying to extend stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no maximum cap specified. | CAD 200 per day (~USD 150) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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 Canada
No transit visa needed
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or clearing customs, a visitor visa or eTA is required.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedCOVID-19 (updated booster)Essential
Health risks
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is seasonal and low for most travelers.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter; vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) - Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Sun 24 hours
For immigration inquiries at the airport; bring all travel documents.
Toronto
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) - Toronto Office
74 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5C 2A5
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa and extension applications; appointments may be required.
Practical information for KR travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.37 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
No. Canada does not offer visa-on-arrival for South Korean passport holders. You must apply and receive approval before you travel.
Processing times vary, but expect 2–8 weeks. After approval, mailing your passport to the visa application centre adds another 1–2 weeks. Apply at least 3 months before your trip.
CAD $100 for a single-entry visa. A multiple-entry visa (valid for up to 10 years) costs CAD $500. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Yes, if you are transiting through a Canadian airport to a third country, you still need a visa unless you qualify for the Transit Without Visa program (which South Korea is not part of). Apply for a visitor visa.
No. Visitor visas are not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires (usually 6 months). Overstaying can result in a ban.
You can reapply, but you must address the reason for refusal (e.g., insufficient funds, weak ties to home country). There is no appeal process. Consider consulting an immigration consultant.
Yes. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.