Visa-Free Entry with K-ETA

Korea grants visa-free entry of up to 90 days to around 110 nationalities. Most must obtain a K-ETA electronic travel authorisation before departure, valid for multiple entries over three years, though Korea has periodically suspended the K-ETA requirement for selected countries as a tourism measure. It is a tourist status with no work rights, and 90 days is enough for a full season without the income and insurance tests of the workation visa.

57 nationalities are on the eligible list. Anyone not listed applies through a different route.

• Passport eligible for visa-free entryRequiredAround 110 nationalities enter visa-free, most for 90 days.
• Stay of 90 days or lessRequiredNinety days is the standard grant for most eligible nationalities, and it is not extendable.
• Passport valid for six monthsRequiredSix months of validity from arrival is the safe standard.
• K-ETA authorisationInfoApply on k-eta.go.kr at least 72 hours before departure. It costs around KRW 10,000 and lasts three years. Korea has temporarily waived it for some nationalities, so confirm the current position for your passport.
• Not a work permitInfoVisa-free entry does not permit work in Korea. The F-1-D exists to make remote work explicitly legal.

• Passport with six months validity
• K-ETA approval if applicable
• Q-Code health declaration
• Onward ticket and accommodation details

1. Apply for K-ETA

   ~3 days

   Submit at least 72 hours before departure on the official site. Only k-eta.go.kr is legitimate.

   1

2. Complete Q-Code

   ~1 day

   File the health declaration online to use the fast lane on arrival.

   2

3. Arrive

   ~1 day

   Immigration grants up to 90 days. Canadians receive up to six months.

   3

Visa-free stays are not normally extendable. Leave and re-enter, or move to a long-stay visa.

• Canadian passport holders get 180 days visa-free, the most generous allowance Korea offers
• K-ETA lasts three years and covers multiple entries, so apply once and forget it
• The K-ETA requirement has been switched on and off for specific nationalities; check before every trip
• Visa-free stays cannot be extended, so plan the exit before arriving

• K-ETA official siteKorea Immigration Service2026-07-27