The South Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an essential online travel permit for Canadian citizens planning short-term visits to South Korea. Designed to simplify the entry process, the K-ETA allows Canadians to enter South Korea visa-free for tourism, business, visiting family, or attending events. Applying for the K-ETA before your trip is mandatory (except during temporary exemptions) and helps ensure a smoother and faster immigration experience upon arrival.
Canada and South Korea enjoy a lively cultural exchange that strengthens their people-to-people ties. South Korean pop culture—especially K-pop, Korean dramas, and cuisine—has gained significant popularity across Canada, with events, concerts, and Korean film festivals drawing large audiences. In turn, Canadian art, music, and film are also appreciated in South Korea. Educational programs and university partnerships encourage cross-cultural understanding, while cities like Toronto and Vancouver host thriving Korean communities that celebrate traditions through festivals, food, and cultural centers. This cultural bond adds depth to the overall Canada–Korea relationship.
The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is an online travel permit required for citizens of visa-free countries, including Canada, to enter South Korea for short-term visits. The K-ETA must be obtained before boarding a flight to Korea and is essential for travelers visiting for tourism, business, events, or to visit family.
The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is not mandatory for Canadian citizens for short-term visits to South Korea. Here's a breakdown of the current situation and what to expect:
K-ETA Exemption in Place Until December 31, 2025 Canadian travelers are currently exempt from needing a K-ETA, thanks to South Korea’s “Visit Korea Year” campaign designed to encourage tourism. This exemption applies to short-term visits for purposes like tourism, non-profit business meetings, family visits, or attending events—meaning no K-ETA is required for entry until the end of 2025. |
Optional K-ETA During Exemption Period Although Canadian citizens are not currently required to apply for K-ETA, they may still opt to apply for one. Having an approved K-ETA allows travelers to skip the paper arrival card at immigration, helping streamline the entry process and save time at the airport. |
Mandatory from January 1, 2026 It’s important to remember that the current K-ETA exemption for Canadian citizens will expire on December 31, 2025. Beginning January 1, 2026, all eligible Canadian travelers planning short-term, visa-free visits to South Korea will be required to obtain a K-ETA before departure. |
To successfully complete your K-ETA application as a Canadian citizen, make sure you have the following ready:
Applying for the K-ETA is simple and done entirely online.
The average processing time for a K-ETA is between 1-6 Working Days after submission. However, the actual time may vary depending on the volume of applications or if additional screening is needed. To avoid last-minute complications or delays, it is strongly advised that travelers apply for the K-ETA at least 72 hours before their scheduled departure. Submitting your application early gives you a buffer in case any issues arise, such as incorrect information or unexpected processing delays. Planning ahead ensures a smoother travel experience and peace of mind before your trip to South Korea.
Once approved, your K-ETA confirmation will be sent to the email you provided. You should save or print a copy to show at airline check-in and upon arrival in Korea. Border officials will verify your K-ETA alongside your passport.
If your K-ETA application shows a "Pending" status, don’t panic—it simply means that your application is still under review. Here’s what Canadian citizens should do:
K-ETA Validity and Duration of Stay for Canadian Citizens
Validity: The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) granted to Canadian citizens remains valid for up to 3 years from the date of approval or until the passport used in the application expires—whichever occurs first. During this validity period, travelers can make multiple trips to South Korea without needing to reapply, as long as the K-ETA remains active and matches the traveler’s current passport details.
Duration of Stay: Each individual visit under the K-ETA allows Canadian travelers to stay for up to 180 consecutive days. This is ideal for tourism, attending events, visiting family or friends, or conducting short-term business activities (non-profitable). However, travelers must exit South Korea before the 180-day limit is reached, and overstaying may result in penalties or future travel restrictions.
One of the biggest advantages of the K-ETA is that it allows for multiple entries during its validity. This makes it ideal for frequent travelers, business professionals, or those visiting family multiple times over a few years.
For activities beyond short-term visits, such as employment, study, or long-term residency, Canadians must obtain the appropriate visa before traveling to South Korea. These visas typically require an application through an embassy or consulate and may involve additional documentation and processing time.
Key Points for Canadian Travelers:
Canadian citizens planning to visit South Korea should understand the key differences between the K-ETA and traditional visa options. Each serves distinct travel purposes and comes with unique application procedures and benefits.
Feature |
K-ETA |
Traditional Visa |
Purpose |
Tourism, short-term business |
Work, study, long-term stays |
Application Method |
Online |
Embassy or consulate |
Validity |
Up to 3 years |
Varies by visa type |
Stay Duration per Entry |
Up to 180 days |
Depends on visa |
Processing Time |
Within 1-6 Working Days (usually) |
Weeks to months |
Documentation Required |
Minimal – passport, travel details, photo |
Detailed documents including invitation letters, financial proof, etc. |
Flexibility |
Limited to eligible purposes and short stays |
Allows broader activities (employment, study, etc.) |
Arrival Card Requirement |
Waived for K-ETA holders |
Must be completed manually unless exempt |
The K-ETA is a convenient and efficient option for Canadian citizens planning to visit South Korea. It simplifies the entry process and offers long-term benefits for short-term travelers.
✅ Fully online application – No embassy visits or paperwork required.
✅ Quick processing – Most applications are approved within 1- 3 Working Days.
✅ Multiple entries – Valid for 3 years and allows multiple short stays of up to 180 days each.
✅ Cost-effective – A small processing fee covers 3 years of entry access.
✅ Ideal for tourism or business – Perfect for vacations, business meetings, or visiting family.
✅ Streamlined airport entry – Faster immigration clearance upon arrival in Korea.
Here are some essential tips to help you complete your K-ETA application smoothly and avoid common pitfalls. Following these guidelines will increase your chances of quick approval and hassle-free travel to South Korea.
When Canadian travelers arrive in South Korea with an approved K-ETA, the entry process is generally smooth and efficient. Upon landing, passengers should proceed to the designated immigration lanes for K-ETA holders. They need to present their valid passport along with the K-ETA approval, which can be shown either as a printed copy or on a mobile device. Customs and immigration officers will verify the K-ETA and passport details before granting entry. Since the K-ETA pre-screens travelers, Canadian citizens often experience shorter wait times at immigration, making their arrival more convenient and hassle-free.
Before your trip to South Korea, it’s important to understand what your K-ETA allows and what it doesn’t. These reminders will help ensure a hassle-free journey and compliance with immigration rules.
Yes. All travelers, including children, must have a valid K-ETA to enter South Korea.
Yes, as long as the purpose of the visit remains the same, there is no need to reapply just because of date changes.
You may reapply with corrected or updated information, or you can consult the consulate for a visa.
No, K-ETA does not allow employment. You must apply for a work visa
Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in June 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.