How long can Canadian citizens stay in South Korea without a visa?

Canadian citizens can stay in South Korea for up to six months (180 days) without needing a visa for tourism or short business purposes.

What are the passport requirements for Canadian citizens entering South Korea?

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay. It is generally recommended to have at least six months of validity remaining.

Do I need a return or onward ticket to enter South Korea as a Canadian citizen?

Yes, officials generally expect you to have a return or onward ticket as proof of your intent to leave South Korea within the permitted period.

Are there any forms to complete upon arrival in South Korea?

Yes, all travellers, including Canadian citizens, must complete an arrival card and a customs declaration form upon entry into South Korea.

What if I want to stay in South Korea for more than 6 months?

For stays longer than six months or for purposes other than tourism/short business (e.g., work, study), Canadian citizens must apply for the appropriate visa before travelling.

Do Canadian citizens need a K-ETA to enter South Korea?

As of early 2026, the K-ETA requirement for Canadian citizens for short-term visits has been temporarily waived until December 31, 2024. Please check official sources for the latest updates on this policy.

Visa Panic· Official Dispatch

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Current DossierSubject · Canadian passportFile · SOUTH-KOREA

Does South Korea require a visa for Canadian citizens?

Straight answer, official source, and how long it takes.

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Last checked 22 Jul 2026Source · Travel Advice and Advisories for South KoreaHow we source this →

Visa Panic answer

No visa neededLow panic

Do Canadian citizens need a visa for South Korea?

No, Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourism or short business trips to South Korea.

Check official travel adviceTravel Advice and Advisories for South Korea — last checked 22 July 2026

Always confirm with the official source before you travel.

VerdictAll Clear

You're good to go.

No visa application needed for Canadian passport holders on a short tourist or business trip. Just check your passport meets the validity rules below before you fly.

Colour KeyCalm— no visaMedium— ETA / eVisaPanic— full visa

Deep breath. Here's the answer.

Canadian citizens can visit South Korea for tourism or short business activities without a visa for stays up to six months. However, you will need to complete an arrival card and customs declaration upon entry.

Key facts

For Canadian passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

Passport	Canadian passport
Purpose	Tourism / short business trip
Visa required	No, not for short stays
Maximum stay	Up to 6 months
Passport validity	At least 3 months beyond your intended stay
Return/onward ticket	Yes, generally expected
Arrival form	Required (arrival card and customs declaration)
Last checked	22 July 2026

You may need a visa if…

While a visa isn't required, you must meet all other entry requirements like having a valid passport.
Ensure your passport has sufficient validity; it's recommended to have at least 6 months remaining.
For stays longer than 6 months or for purposes other than tourism/short business, a visa is required.
You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay and an onward/return ticket.
Overstaying your permitted duration can result in fines, detention, or deportation.

Before you travel

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
Book your round-trip or onward ticket.
Confirm you have sufficient funds for your trip.
Check for any health-related entry requirements or recommendations.
Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs.
Consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.

Common questions

No, Canadian citizens do not need a visa for tourist or short business trips to South Korea for stays up to six months.

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Field Report Provenance

Human-checked

Every dossier is written from official government sources, then re-checked on 22 Jul 2026.

Auto-monitored

An hourly job re-scans official sources for changes. Anything fishy triggers a manual review.

Not legal advice

Always cross-check with the linked official source before you book. Read our methodology and disclaimer.

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