Canada strengthens Indo‑Pacific ties through changes to visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Mal

Current rules

Eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia may apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if flying to Canada and having held a Canadian TRV within the last 10 years or holding a valid US non-immigrant visa at the time of application.

Overview

Effective 26 May 2026, eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia can now apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) for air travel to Canada, replacing the previous requirement for a full temporary resident visa. This change is part of Canada's strategy to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties with Indo-Pacific partners. Eligibility requires having held a Canadian TRV in the past decade or holding a current valid US non-immigrant visa.

What changed in the latest version

This change makes the travel process much easier for some citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia. They can use the eTA application, which is faster and usually simpler than a full visa. The Canadian government says this change will make economic and people-to-people links stronger with important partners in the Indo-Pacific region. It will make travel easier for business visitors, attract skilled people, and support investment. This rule aims to keep borders secure and immigration rules strong. It only allows people to use the eTA if they are 'known' to Canada or the United States because of their past visa history.

Explained simply

Hey, if you're from Indonesia or Malaysia and you've flown to Canada before with a visa in the last 10 years, or you have a valid US visa, you can now get a much quicker online travel pass (eTA) instead of a full visa to visit Canada by plane. This makes it easier to visit for holidays or business, helping Canada make more friends and do more business with your countries. But if you don't meet these specific conditions, or you're coming by land or sea, you'll still need the regular visa.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v2Effective 26 May 2026EffectiveMedium impact
   Canada strengthens Indo‑Pacific ties through changes to visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia

   Canada has changed its visa rules for some travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia. Before, people from these countries generally needed a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Now, if they are flying to Canada, some travellers can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a TRV. This applies if they have had a Canadian TRV in the last 10 years or if they have a valid United States non-immigrant visa. This change aims to make Canada's links with countries in the Indo-Pacific region stronger and make travel easier for these specific groups.

Timeline

1. Announced

   25 May 2026

   Effective 25 May 2026, eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia can now apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) for air travel to Canada, replacing the previous requirement for a full temporary resident visa. This change is part of Canada's strategy to strengthen economic and people-to-people ties with Indo-Pacific partners. Eligibility requires having held a Canadian TRV in the

2. Takes effect

   25 May 2026

   Eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia may apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) if flying to Canada and having held a Canadian TRV within the last 10 years or holding a valid US non-immigrant visa at the time of application.