Long-haul, sometimes via the US
Canada eVisa (eTA): rules for South Korean travellers
From South Korea, the trip to Canada is long-haul. Some routes connect in the United States, which adds a US formality to the Canadian eTA.
- Nationality
- South Korean
- eTA
- Required for air travel
- Official IRCC fee
- CA$7
- Flying time to Canada
- About 10 hr to Vancouver, 13 hr to Toronto nonstop
- Time difference
- Vancouver is 16 to 17 hr behind Seoul, Toronto 13 to 14 hr
- Currency at departure
- KRW (₩)
From South Korea
What to check before departure
Your flights to Canada
Nonstop flights from Seoul Incheon to Vancouver and Toronto.
Schedules and routes from South Korea can change. Check the full itinerary with the airline, including the formalities of every connecting country.
- Departure airports
- Seoul Incheon
- Airlines flying to Canada
- Air Canada · Korean Air
High season: summer (July-August), Chuseok and Lunar New Year. Book early during these busy periods.
Your passport
A valid South Korean passport. The eTA is electronically linked to it: if you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
Health
No vaccination certificate is required to enter Canada from South Korea. Travel insurance is still strongly recommended: healthcare is expensive for visitors.
Point to watch
A connection in the United States requires an ESTA in addition to the Canadian eTA.
US connection: one more formality
A connection on US soil requires a US authorization (ESTA or visa, depending on nationality) in addition to the eTA. A nonstop flight avoids it.
Mind the time difference
Booking dates follow local time: an evening departure can land in Canada on the same day, or even the day before.
Good to know
Travelling to Canada from South Korea
Trip idea from South Korea
Vancouver is the closest gateway from Seoul and has a large Korean community. The Rockies, with Banff and Lake Louise, and Vancouver Island, reached by ferry, are among the most popular destinations for South Korean travellers.
Combining with the United States
Many travellers combine Canada and the United States. South Korean citizens can generally enter the US with an ESTA, applied for separately. Crossing between Canada and the US by road or train does not require an eTA, but flying back into Canada does.
Electricity
Canada uses type A and B sockets at 120 V. Bring an adapter for Korean plugs and check the voltage your devices accept.
Language
English is the everyday language in most of the country. In Quebec the majority language is French: a few words will help, although English is widely understood in Montreal.
To prepare
The application of a South Korean national
A passport from a visa-exempt country
The eTA is electronically linked to this passport. It must be valid, and it is the passport you will show when boarding.
A valid email address
The answer and any request for additional documents arrive by email. Check the spelling and keep an eye on your spam folder.
Your personal details
Names, date and place of birth, nationality, address and phone number, as shown on your documents.
A payment card
Payment is made online by card, securely.
Frequently asked questions
What South Korean travellers often ask us
Do South Korean travellers need an eTA for Canada?
Yes, for air travel. South Korean nationals are visa-exempt but must obtain an eTA before boarding a flight to or through Canada. By land or sea, it is generally not required.
How long is the flight from South Korea?
About 10 hr to Vancouver, 13 hr to Toronto nonstop. Nonstop flights from Seoul Incheon to Vancouver and Toronto.
Which airlines fly from South Korea to Canada?
From Seoul Incheon, flights to Canada are operated by airlines including Air Canada and Korean Air. Routes change, so check the full itinerary with the airline.
Do I need a vaccination to enter Canada from South Korea?
No vaccination certificate is required to enter Canada from South Korea. Travel insurance is still strongly recommended: healthcare is expensive for visitors.
What should I watch out for during the connection?
A connection in the United States requires an ESTA in addition to the Canadian eTA.
What is the time difference between South Korea and Canada?
Vancouver is 16 to 17 hr behind Seoul, Toronto 13 to 14 hr. Canada spans six time zones: check the one for your arrival city.
When are seats hardest to find from South Korea?
Busiest period for departures from South Korea: summer (July-August), Chuseok and Lunar New Year. Apply for the eTA as soon as the trip is decided, even before booking.
Which passport do I need to apply for the eTA?
A valid South Korean passport. The eTA is electronically linked to it: if you get a new passport, you must apply for a new eTA.
What to see in Canada when travelling from South Korea?
Vancouver is the closest gateway from Seoul and has a large Korean community. The Rockies, with Banff and Lake Louise, and Vancouver Island, reached by ferry, are among the most popular destinations for South Korean travellers.
Can I combine Canada and the United States from South Korea?
Many travellers combine Canada and the United States. South Korean citizens can generally enter the US with an ESTA, applied for separately. Crossing between Canada and the US by road or train does not require an eTA, but flying back into Canada does.
Do I need a plug adapter for Canada?
Canada uses type A and B sockets at 120 V. Bring an adapter for Korean plugs and check the voltage your devices accept.
What language is spoken in Canada?
English is the everyday language in most of the country. In Quebec the majority language is French: a few words will help, although English is widely understood in Montreal.
Go further
Guides to plan your trip
- Trip planning
When to visit Canada, season by season
Summer, autumn colours, snowy winter: a calendar for choosing the best time for your trip.
6 min read - Formalities
Getting your eTA application right first time
Passport number, dual nationality, email address: the details that derail an application and how to avoid them.
6 min read - On the ground
Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver: choosing your city
What each major city offers, how to travel between them and how many days to plan.
7 min read
Other nationalities
Keep reading
- AsiaJapanCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Japanese travellers.View the page
- OceaniaAustraliaCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Australian travellers.View the page
- EuropeFranceCanada eTA: requirements and steps for French travellers.View the page
- EuropeBelgiumCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Belgian travellers.View the page
- EuropeSwitzerlandCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Swiss travellers.View the page
- EuropeLuxembourgCanada eTA: requirements and steps for Luxembourg travellers.View the page
Canada · eTA
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