Canadian citizens travelling to South Korea are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) requirement until 31 December 2026, retaining visa-free entry for up to 90 days. This guide covers exemption details, voluntary application benefits, fees, processing times, and step-by-step instructions for Canadian passport holders. Last updated: 15 September 2026.
Canadian citizens can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. A temporary K-ETA exemption is in place until 31 December 2026, so Canadians are not required to obtain K-ETA. However, they may still apply voluntarily for ₩10,000 (~$10 CAD) at www.k-eta.go.kr, with processing typically completed within 72 hours.
What Is K-ETA and Do Canadian Citizens Need It in 2026?
K-ETA for Canadian citizens is not required for entry into South Korea until 31 December 2026. The exemption suspends the mandatory K-ETA rule for Canadians by government decree, though the electronic travel authorisation system remains active for other nationalities. Canadian passport holders retain visa-free entry for up to 90 days for tourism or short-term business.
Canadians may still choose to submit a voluntary application through the K-ETA portal at www.k-eta.go.kr. A previously issued K-ETA remains valid until its own expiration date and is not invalidated by the exemption. Third-party sites charging $30 to $50 USD are scams; only domains ending in .go.kr represent the legitimate application platform for Canadian passport holders.
Should You Apply for K-ETA Even Though You’re Exempt?
Applying voluntarily for K-ETA is worthwhile only for frequent travellers, as K-ETA holders skip the arrival card at immigration. One-off visitors gain little benefit.
| With K-ETA (voluntary) | Without K-ETA |
|---|---|
| Exempt from arrival card on entry | Must submit paper arrival card or free e-Arrival Card (within 72 hours before arrival) |
| Cost: ₩10,000 (~$10 CAD) | Cost: free |
| Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry | No advance registration needed |
For Canadian passport holders making a single trip, the free e-Arrival Card is the simpler option. Frequent travellers benefit from skipping the arrival card on every visit.
K-ETA Application Requirements for Canadian Citizens
Canadian passport holders applying for K-ETA must meet the following requirements:
- Valid Canadian passport with an expiry date after the date of leaving South Korea
- Digital biometric photo (JPEG format, white or plain background, passport-style dimensions)
- Biometric passport-page scan
- Onward or return ticket
- Purpose of travel: tourism or short-term business (stay up to 90 days)
K-ETA for Canadian citizens does not grant the right to be employed in any capacity. Previously issued K-ETA approvals remain valid until their own expiration date during the exemption period.
K-ETA Fees for Canadian Passport Holders
The K-ETA application fee is ₩10,000 (approximately $10 CAD or £6 GBP as of September 2026), payable by Visa or Mastercard with 3D Secure authentication. This fee is non-refundable, even if the application is denied by the Korea Immigration Service.
| Government K-ETA portal | Third-party scam sites |
|---|---|
| ₩10,000 (~$10 CAD) | $30 to $50+ USD |
| Domain ends in.go.kr | Non-.go.kr domains, SMS verification requests, “processing fee” upsells |
Canadian passport holders should submit payment only through the government portal at www.k-eta.go.kr.
K-ETA Processing Times and Validity Period
K-ETA for Canadian citizens is generally processed within 72 hours, though peak-season delays, weekends, and technical issues can extend this window. According to the Korea Immigration Service notice of 13 March 2026, Gmail users may experience delivery delays for K-ETA notifications. Applicants are advised to apply at least 5 to 7 days before departure and to check spam folders for notifications.
K-ETA for Canadian citizens remains valid for 2 years from the approval date or until passport expiry, whichever comes first. Renewing a Canadian passport voids any previously linked K-ETA, requiring a new application. For example, if a passport expires in 2028 and K-ETA is issued in 2026, it remains valid until 2028; if the passport is renewed in 2027, the K-ETA becomes void.
How to Apply for K-ETA: Step-by-Step Guide
Terms and Conditions Agreement
Sign up (members) or Email Verification (non-members)
Enter Passport Information
Enter Application Information
Check Information
Make Payment (₩10,000)
Application Complete
The K-ETA system permits group applications, allowing one account to submit for up to 30 applicants. When scanning your passport, watch for a common error where the surname field auto-populates incorrectly. Upon completion, Canadian passport holders receive a K-ETA reference number to check application status on the portal at www.k-eta.go.kr.
How to Check Your K-ETA Application Status
Canadian passport holders can log in to the K-ETA portal using their account or reference number to view application status. Email notifications are sent upon approval or denial. Keep your K-ETA reference number accessible for future inquiries.
K-ETA vs Visa for South Korea: What Canadian Citizens Should Know
K-ETA is an electronic travel authorisation for up to 90 days (tourism or short-term business), not a visa. Canadian passport holders seeking to work, study, or remain beyond 90 days must apply for a full South Korean visa, such as category C-3-9 (tourism) or C-3-1 (conferences), through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Canada at 150 Boteler Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 5A6, Canada (telephone +1-613-244-5010, Monday to Friday, 09:00-12:00 and 13:00-17:00).
Without a K-ETA, Canadian passport holders must submit an e-Arrival Card online within 72 hours before arrival, free of charge. Travellers exhibiting symptoms upon arrival from the UK must submit a Q-Code or paper health questionnaire; failure to comply carries a fine of up to ₩10 million.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Canadian citizens need K-ETA to enter South Korea in 2026?
No, Canadian citizens are temporarily exempt from the K-ETA requirement until 31 December 2026. Canadian passport holders can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days without obtaining K-ETA clearance. Canadians may still apply voluntarily if they wish to skip the arrival card upon entry.
How much does K-ETA cost for Canadian citizens?
The K-ETA application fee is ₩10,000, approximately $10 CAD or £6 GBP as of September 2026. The fee is payable by Visa or Mastercard with 3D Secure authentication and is non-refundable, even if the application is denied by the Korea Immigration Service.
How long does K-ETA processing take for Canadian applicants?
K-ETA processing generally completes within 72 hours. Apply at least 5 to 7 days before departure to account for peak-season, weekend, or technical delays. A Korea Immigration Service notice dated 13 March 2026 warned of delayed Gmail delivery for K-ETA notifications, so check spam folders.
How long is K-ETA valid for Canadian passport holders?
A K-ETA approval is valid for 2 years from the approval date or until the passport expiry date, whichever comes first. If a Canadian passport holder renews their passport, any previously issued K-ETA linked to the old passport becomes void, requiring a new application.
Can I apply for K-ETA for my family or group?
Yes, a single account can submit K-ETA applications for up to 30 applicants in one submission. Each applicant in the group or family requires their own passport information and digital photo. This group application feature is available for both member and non-member procedures on the K-ETA portal.
Do I need K-ETA for a connecting flight through Incheon Airport?
Travellers connecting without passing through border control at Incheon Airport may not require K-ETA. For specific transit scenarios, consult the K-ETA portal or the Korea Immigration Service guidelines before departure.
What happens if my K-ETA application is refused?
If a K-ETA application is refused, the application fee is non-refundable. Travellers whose K-ETA is denied should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Canada in Ottawa (telephone +1-613-244-5010) for assistance with their entry options.
Does K-ETA apply to Canadian citizens living in the UK?
Yes, the K-ETA requirements and the temporary exemption until 31 December 2026 apply to all Canadian passport holders regardless of their country of residence. Canadian citizens living in the UK can enter South Korea visa-free for up to 90 days and may apply for K-ETA voluntarily for ₩10,000.
