Eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia can now apply for a Canadian eTA, replacing the lengthy visitor visa process under Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy.
The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Honourable Lena Metlege Diab announced on May 25 that Canada will make changes to visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia starting May 26 at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
The citizens from both countries will now no longer need a temporary resident visa (TRV) when flying to Canada. The eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia can enter Canada for visit, study or work will likely be able to access simplified entry documents.
This visa change strengthens Canada’s Indo-Pacific ties by diversifying its markets, creating more business opportunities and supporting long-term growth for Canada. Easing visa rules for eligible Indonesian and Malaysian travellers is a concrete step in that direction – strengthening economic and people-to people connections while maintaining border security.
Before this change, citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia needed a visa before travelling to Canada, which typically took longer to process.
Who Qualifies for the eTA?
The recent allows those travellers who have held a Canadian temporary transit visa (TRV) in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) instead of a visa.
The announcement notes “IRCC considers this group ‘known’ travellers because Canadian or U.S. immigration services have already vetted them”. Other travellers entering Canada by land or sea may still need a visitor visa, regardless of whether they meet the eTA conditions.
Those nationals holding a valid TRV can continue using it until it expires or until their passport expires.
TRV allows entry for those travellers who previously held visitor, work or study visas in Canada. Those intending to work or study in Canada must still apply for the proper permits.
How to Get Your eTA?
Eligible citizens must secure an eTA before boarding a flight to Canada. The entire process is handled online through IRCC’s official website.
- Before starting, have a valid passport, a credit or debit card and an active email address ready.
- Fill out the eTA application on IRCC’s official website and ensure all your details are accurate.
- The eTA application costs $7 CAD. Pay the fee when prompted.
- Most applicants receive approval within minutes through a government email. If IRCC needs additional information, expect a follow-up within 72 hours with clear instruction.
- Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to your passport and remains valid for five years or until your passport expires.
Compared to a visitor visa, the eTA is faster, cheaper and less demanding. The final entry decision, however, always rests with the border officials upon arrival.
Why Canada Is Expanding eTA Access
The decision to extend the eTA access to eligible Indonesian and Malaysian citizens falls squarely within Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy that aims at building stronger trade, investment and travel links across Southeast Asia.
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Canada has been steadily expanding eTA access over the years. The previous year, Canada lifted visa requirements entirely for Qatari citizens, granting them full visa-free access regardless of travel history.
In June 2023, Canada extended its conditional eTA eligibility to 13 countries, among them Philippines, Thailand, Argentina and Morocco, under similar pre-screening conditions.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab framed the move as part of Canada’s ongoing effort to diversify trade relationships without compromising border security. Canada welcomed around 18,300 Indonesian and 11,500 Malaysian visitors in 2025 – the numbers clearly show that the government is clearly hoping to grow.
