By Samantha Carter, Chief Editor
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a significant shift in travel requirements for citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia. Starting May 26, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, qualifying nationals from both countries will be authorized for visa-free travel to Canada when arriving by air.
Under the new policy, eligible travelers will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of the previously required temporary resident visa (TRV). This transition is designed to replace a process that often spanned several weeks or months with a digital application that typically provides approvals within minutes.
Criteria for “Known” Travelers
The expansion of the eTA program is targeted at individuals whom the IRCC identifies as “known” travelers—those already vetted by Canadian or U.S. Immigration services. To be eligible for the eTA, Indonesian and Malaysian citizens must be traveling to or transiting through Canada by air and meet one of two conditions at the time of application:
- They have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV) at any point in the last 10 years. or
- They currently hold a valid U.S. Non-immigrant visa.
The government clarified that the TRV category includes visas associated with previous work or study permits. Those who do not meet these specific criteria, as well as anyone traveling to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, must still obtain a visitor visa. Nationals who already possess a valid TRV are permitted to continue using it until it expires, or until their passport expires, whichever occurs first.
Strategic Context and Implementation
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab stated that the changes are part of ongoing efforts to diversify Canada’s trade relationships while maintaining border security. This move aligns with Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy, which seeks to bolster trade, investment, and interpersonal ties with Indonesia and Malaysia—both identified as key economic partners in Southeast Asia.
The program expansion mirrors a conditional eTA framework previously applied to 13 other countries in June 2023, including the Philippines, Thailand, Argentina, and Morocco. In 2025, Canada recorded 18,300 visitors from Indonesia and 11,500 from Malaysia, highlighting the volume of travel the new policy aims to facilitate.
What to Expect Next
For eligible applicants, the shift to an eTA represents a more streamlined, lower-cost alternative to the traditional visa process, with a standard fee of $7 CAD. While the eTA is valid for up to five years or until a passport expires, it does not function as a guarantee of entry. All travelers remain subject to screening by border officials upon arrival.
Looking ahead, the success of this conditional eTA expansion could potentially inform future adjustments to Canada’s immigration and travel policies. As Canada continues to refine its “known traveler” vetting processes, the government may evaluate similar eligibility extensions for other nations to further support its Indo-Pacific trade objectives. However, as evidenced by the full visa-free access granted to Qatari citizens in November 2025, the government may continue to utilize a variety of approaches—ranging from conditional eTA programs to full visa exemptions—to manage its international travel landscape.
