Canada Visa for South Korea Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

South Korean citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. The good news: it costs only CAD $7, is approved in minutes, and lets you visit for up to 6 months. Apply online at canada.ca before your flight. The eTA is valid for 5 years.

Visa Application process

South Korean citizens can apply for the Canada eTA entirely online.1 The process takes just a few minutes.

Go to the Official Website

Visit canada.ca/eta to access the official eTA application.3 Avoid third-party websites that charge unnecessary fees.

Complete the Application Form

Provide your personal information, passport details, employment status, and answer background questions. Have your passport handy as you’ll need to enter the number exactly as it appears.3

Pay the Fee

Pay CAD $7 using a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express).1

Receive Confirmation

Most applicants receive approval within minutes by email.2 Some applications require additional processing and may take up to 72 hours.

Ready to Travel

Your eTA is electronically linked to your passport. No need to print anything. Just bring your passport when you fly to Canada.

Visa Application Steps

1. Go to the Official Website
2. Complete the Application Form
3. Pay the Fee
4. Receive Confirmation
5. Ready to Travel

Visa Fees breakdown

Item: Cost	eTA Application: CAD $7	Validity: Up to 5 years	The CAD $7 fee is the only cost. Be wary of third-party websites charging $50-100 or more for the same service.1

Required documents

Valid South Korean Passport
Valid Email Address
Credit or Debit Card
Online Application

Valid South Korean Passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada • Must be a valid South Korean passport; • Passport number will be linked to your eTA; • If you get a new passport, you need a new eTA] (Tip: The eTA is electronically linked to your passportNo passport photos required for application)

Valid Email Address

Email address to receive your eTA confirmation • Must be a working email you can access; • Confirmation sent within minutes to hours; • Keep for your records] (Tip: Check spam folder if you don't receive confirmationUse an email you'll have access to while traveling)

Credit or Debit Card

Payment method for the CAD $7 application fee • Visa, MasterCard, or American Express accepted; • Prepaid cards may work if enabled for online purchases; • Non-refundable fee] (Tip: Ensure your card is enabled for international transactionsFee is charged in Canadian dollars)

Online Application

Complete the eTA application on the official Canada.ca website • Personal information (name, date of birth); • Passport details; • Contact information; • Employment information; • Travel details; • Background questions] (Tip: Use only the official Canada.ca websiteAvoid third-party sites that charge extra feesHave your passport ready when applying)

If your application is denied

If your application is denied:2
Check the email for the specific reason
Correct errors and reapply if it was a simple mistake
Apply for a visitor visa if the eTA route isn’t available to you
Seek legal advice for complex cases involving criminal or immigration history
Common fixable issues include typos in passport numbers or names. More serious concerns (criminal history, previous deportation) may require a visitor visa application instead.

Comparison

Feature	eTA	Visitor Visa
For	Air travel to Canada	Land/sea entry OR denied eTA
Cost	CAD $7	CAD $100
Processing	Minutes to 72 hours	Several weeks
Application	Online only	Online + biometrics
Validity	5 years	Up to 10 years

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Application Errors
25%	Criminal History
20%	Previous Immigration Issues
10%	Incomplete Application
5%	Passport Issues

40% - Application Errors

How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Copy passport details carefully.

25% - Criminal History

How to avoid: If you have a criminal record, you may need to apply for a visitor visa instead or seek criminal rehabilitation.

20% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest in your application. Previous issues don't automatically mean denial, but lying about them will.

10% - Incomplete Application

How to avoid: Answer every question in the application. Don't leave any fields blank.

5% - Passport Issues

How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid and in good condition. The eTA cannot exceed your passport validity.

Frequently asked questions

Do South Koreans need a visa for Canada?

No, South Korean citizens don't need a traditional visa. Instead, they need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying to Canada. The eTA costs CAD $7 and is valid for 5 years.

How long does the Canada eTA take to process?

Most eTA applications are approved within minutes. However, some may take up to 72 hours if additional processing is required. Apply before booking your flight to be safe.

How long can South Koreans stay in Canada?

With an approved eTA, South Korean citizens can stay in Canada for up to 6 months per visit. The border officer determines your actual allowed stay upon entry.

How long is the Canada eTA valid?

The eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips to Canada during this period.

Do I need an eTA if entering Canada by land or sea?

No, the eTA is only required for air travel. If you're driving from the US or arriving by cruise ship, you don't need an eTA.

What if my eTA application is denied?

If denied, you'll receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include errors in the application or background concerns. You may be able to apply for a visitor visa instead.

Apply for Canada tourist visa online

Sources

Government of Canada - Electronic Travel Authorization

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html

Government of Canada - Who Can Apply for eTA

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility.html

Government of Canada - How to Apply for eTA

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/apply.html

Embassy of Korea to Canada

https://www.mofa.go.kr/ca-en/wpge/m_5236/contents.do

At a glance