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

The Government of Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced new special measures effective from 1 April 2026, to 30 November 2028, to support those affected by domestic natural disasters. These measures offer flexibility for temporary residents to manage their immigration status and provide fee exemptions for foreign emergency services personnel responding to such events. This initiative aims to streamline support for communities and emergency responders facing climate change impacts.

What changed in the latest version

This change makes the travel process much simpler for certain citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia. They can now use a faster and easier eTA application instead of a full visa. The Canadian government says this change will strengthen economic and personal connections with important partners in the Indo-Pacific. It will make it easier for business visitors to travel, attract skilled people, and support investments. This rule keeps the border secure and immigration strong. It only allows people known to Canada or the US through their past visa history to get an eTA.

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

2. v3Effective 1 Apr 2026EffectiveMedium impact
   Canada launches temporary measures to support those impacted by domestic natural disasters

   Canada started new special rules on 1 April 2026. These rules help people affected by natural disasters in Canada. Temporary residents in Canada can replace immigration papers. This includes international students and temporary foreign workers. They can ask to get back their legal status or extend it. They can also renew their work or study permits. They can do this even if the usual 90-day time limit has passed. Also, foreign emergency workers from countries that need a visa can come to help with a disaster. They do not have to pay the usual fees to apply or to give their fingerprints and photos. This makes it easier for them to enter. These rules will end on 30 November 2028. They apply to people in Canada who qualify and to those coming to help.

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.

3. Announced

   2 Apr 2026

   The Government of Canada, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced new special measures effective from 1 April 2026, to 30 November 2028, to support those affected by domestic natural disasters. These measures offer flexibility for temporary residents to manage their immigration status and provide fee exemptions for foreign emergency services personnel responding to

4. Takes effect

   1 Apr 2026

   Temporary residents directly affected by a domestic natural disaster can replace status documents, apply to restore or extend status, or renew work/study permits beyond the standard 90-day restoration period. Foreign emergency services personnel from visa-required countries travelling to help respond to a natural disaster are exempt from standard application or biometric collection fees.