Canada entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
South Korean passport holders need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to visit Canada in 2026, not a full visa. You must apply online before you travel — it's quick, cheap, and usually approved within minutes. Don't confuse this with a visa: the eTA is linked electronically to your passport, so there's no stamp or sticker.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You need to apply for this online before your flight; it's not a visa but a travel authorization. Required for visa-exempt travel | South Korean citizens must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada. Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). The fee is CAD $7 and processing usually takes minutes, but can take a few days if additional documents are requested. Approval is linked electronically to your passport. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date—if it's too close, renew it before traveling. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Maximum stayYou cannot stay longer than 6 months; if you need more time, you'd have to leave and re-enter (subject to rules). Up to 180 days per entry | As a South Korean citizen, you may stay in Canada for up to 180 days per entry under the eTA. This period is not extendable. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou don't need to show a ticket, but it's wise to have one to avoid questions. Not explicitly required | Canadian immigration does not require proof of a return or onward ticket for South Korean citizens at the border, but border officers may ask for evidence of your intended departure if they have concerns. | Not required |
| Proof of fundsYou don't need to show bank statements, but having some money available is sensible. Not explicitly required | There is no set amount of funds you must show, but you should be able to support yourself during your stay if asked by a border officer. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill anything in advance—just follow the arrival process at the airport. Not required | Canada does not require a separate arrival declaration for South Korean citizens; you will complete a customs declaration upon arrival (often via kiosk or app). | Not required |
Apply for your eTA before booking flights
While most eTA applications are approved in minutes, some take a few days if extra documents are requested. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your eTA approval in hand.
eTA is valid for 5 years
Once approved, your eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. You can enter Canada multiple times during that period without reapplying. If you get a new passport, you'll need a new eTA.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, contact information, and a credit card to pay the CAD $7 fee. Most applications are approved within minutes — you'll get an email confirmation. If extra documents are requested, it can take a few days.
2
Check your eTA status
After applying, you'll receive an email with your eTA status. If approved, it's linked electronically to your passport — no stamp or sticker. If it's still pending, check the status online before booking flights. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have approval.
3
Travel to Canada
At the airport in Canada (e.g., Toronto Pearson, Vancouver International), go to the 'Visitors' queue. Present your passport — the officer will see your eTA in their system. They may ask about your plans, accommodation, and funds. Answer honestly — they can deny entry even with a valid eTA.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 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:
Visitor visa (TRV)
Max stay6 months (or as stamped)
ValidityUp to 10 years or until passport expiry
CostCAD $100 (plus biometrics if applicable)
For those who do not qualify for eTA or want a multiple-entry visa for longer stays.
Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD $100 (plus biometrics)
Requires a letter of invitation from a Canadian citizen or PR child/grandchild and proof of 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 |
|---|---|
| eTA application feeNon-refundable, paid online via official Government of Canada website. | CAD $7 |
| Extension of stay (visitor record)For stays beyond 6 months; apply online before your current status expires. | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics (if required)Only if you apply for a visitor visa or extension; eTA itself does not require biometrics. | CAD $85 |
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 citizens are visa-exempt for transit through Canada. If you are connecting at a Canadian airport, you do not need a visa or eTA as long as you stay airside and depart on an international flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to clear customs or immigration (e.g., to collect baggage and re-check it), you must obtain an eTA (if flying into Canada) or a visitor visa.
- If you are inadmissible to Canada for any reason, you may be refused transit.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (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 = 1.42 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. South Korean passport holders only need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for tourism or business visits. It's not a visa — it's a quick online authorization that costs CAD $7 and is usually approved within minutes. You don't need to visit an embassy or mail your passport.
You can stay up to 180 days (about 6 months) per entry. The eTA itself is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter multiple times during that period.
No. Visitor visas and eTAs are not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires (usually 6 months). Overstaying can result in a ban. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a different status (like a work or study permit) before your current status expires.
If your eTA is refused, you'll receive an email explaining why. 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 if you're unsure.
No. South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa to change flights in Canada, provided you remain airside (don't pass through immigration) and have a confirmed onward ticket. If you leave the airport or clear customs, you'll need an eTA or visitor visa.
The eTA costs CAD $7 (about USD $5). This is the only fee — there are no additional charges. Payment is made online with a credit card. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Yes. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready. Without it, you could be denied entry.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.