South Korea entry requirements for Canadian passport holders (2026): visa and passport validity
Visa (Government of Canada): Read the official visa text below
Passport validity (Government of Canada): Valid beyond the date you expect to leave South Korea. Official text
Official source: Government of Canada – South Korea travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Entry and exit requirements” · page last updated 15 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
Whether Canadians need a visa for South Korea and how long a Canadian passport must be valid, as published by the Government of Canada, quoted word for word with the date of the official page.
Other passports: British passport · Australian passport
Driving in South Korea, do you need an international driving permit? Canadian licence · Australian licence
Do Canadians need a visa for South Korea?
We quote the official text word for word and do not summarise it. The official visa text has a time limit or exception we do not summarise.
Official text, “Visas”:
Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 180 days*
Business visa: not required for stays of up to 180 days*
Student visa: required (must be obtained outside South Korea)
Work visa: required (must be obtained outside South Korea)
*Canadians are exempt from the Korea Electronic Travel Authority (K-ETA) requirement until December 31, 2026.
You can't change your visa status once you're in South Korea as a tourist.
If you wish to extend the length of your visa, contact the Korea Immigration Service as soon as possible to apply for an extension. Authorities strictly enforce immigration laws and regulations.
Since regulations can change, contact the Korea Immigration Service if you have questions related to visas.
Useful links
- Korea Electronic Travel Authority (K-ETA) – Korea Immigration Service
- More information about visas – Korea Immigration Service
Also in the official “Entry and exit requirements” section:
E-arrival cards
All travellers to Korea are required to submit an entry declaration form.
This may be done either:
- online, up to 3 days prior to your arrival
- on paper upon your arrival
Online scams related to the e‑Arrival card are occurring. This service is free of charge. Do not use any website that charges fees for arrival cards.
e-Arrival card website – Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea
Screening measures
When you arrive from a country designated as a "Quarantine Inspection Required Area," you are subject to symptom-based health screening measures. The Korea Immigration Service will assess your body temperature upon arrival. If you exhibit symptoms associated with infectious diseases, you must submit a health questionnaire in either electronic (Q-CODE) or paper format. Korean authorities may test you for other infectious diseases such as cholera and Zika virus. If you show flu-like symptoms or test positive for an infectious disease, authorities may quarantine you for medical observation.
You can register for a Q-CODE up to 7 days before arrival.
Q-CODE – Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency
More from the official “Entry and exit requirements” section (other requirements)
Biometrics
Foreigners must register their biometrics (fingerprints and facial scan) at their port of entry. Children younger than 17 years and diplomats are exempt from this screening.
Official source: Government of Canada – South Korea travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Visas” · page last updated 15 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
How long must my Canadian passport be valid for South Korea?
In short: Valid beyond the date you expect to leave South Korea.
Our one-line summary of the official sentence below, which matches a wording we recognise. Your airline may apply stricter rules.
Official text, “Regular Canadian passport”:
Your passport must be valid beyond the date of expected departure from South Korea.
Official source: Government of Canada – South Korea travel advice and advisories (travel.gc.ca), section “Regular Canadian passport” · page last updated 15 October 2026 · checked on 17 October 2026 · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada.
For Canadian passport holders. These rules are published by the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada) for Canadian citizens travelling on a regular Canadian passport. Before You Fly is an independent site: it is not a Government of Canada site and is not endorsed by the Government of Canada. The airline and the border officials of the destination decide whether you can travel or enter: this site is information, not legal advice. British passport? See the UK (FCDO) rules.
Read the full official travel advice for South Korea (safety, health, local laws) before you travel.
Spotted a change? Tell us.
Canadian passport: all destinations · British passport rules · Liquids rules by airport · EES and ETIAS status