Deep breath. Here's the answer.

Per travel.gc.ca (read 8 Oct 2026), Canadian citizens with a regular passport can visit South Korea for tourism for up to 180 days without a visa, and are exempt from K-ETA through 31 December 2026. The passport must be valid beyond your expected date of departure. Ordinary K-ETA-exempt visitors complete a free entry declaration (e-Arrival card online within 3 days before arrival, or a paper card on arrival); exceptions are listed in the official e-Arrival guide. Business, work, study and residence rules, customs and health requirements were not reviewed here.

Key facts

For Canadian passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

You may need a visa if…

• While a visa isn't required, you must meet all other entry requirements like having a valid passport.
• Passport validity per travel.gc.ca: your regular passport must be valid beyond your expected date of departure.
• The 180-day visa-free stay was checked for tourism only. Business, work, study and residence rules were not reviewed here — confirm with Korean immigration before travel.
• 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 regular passport is valid beyond your expected date of departure from South Korea (travel.gc.ca).
• ✓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