The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver confirmed in writing that Convention refugees travelling with a valid Canadian Refugee Travel Document should apply for a South Korean visa using the RTD if a visa is required. The Consulate did not confirm that all Canadian Refugee Travel Document holders must obtain a visa.

For travel to South Korea, the available official information does not clearly confirm whether Canadian Refugee Travel Document holders are always required to obtain a visa for entry. The Consulate advises travellers to confirm their individual visa and entry requirements before travelling.

For transit through South Korea, visa-free transit may be available in certain circumstances if specific conditions are met, including requirements relating to Canadian permanent residence or qualifying visas, onward travel to a third country, and the traveller’s nationality and immigration history. The available guidance does not specifically confirm whether these transit provisions apply to Canadian Refugee Travel Document holders.

Therefore, Canadian Refugee Travel Document holders should confirm their specific entry or transit requirements with the Korean Consulate before travelling.

Canadian Refugee Travel Document holders should contact the Korean Consulate before making travel arrangements to confirm whether a visa is required for their specific itinerary. If a visa is required, applicants should apply using their valid Canadian Refugee Travel Document and provide proof of their status in Canada and any additional documents requested by the Consulate. Travellers relying on a visa-free transit provision should confirm their eligibility with the Korean immigration authorities before travelling.

Confirmed in writing by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver. Official Korean government information on visa-free entry and transit conditions was also reviewed.