Canada has announced a significant update to its travel requirements that will make it easier for eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia to visit Canada for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
Effective May 26, 2026, eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia may be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) when travelling to Canada by air.
The announcement, made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is part of Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy aimed at strengthening economic, trade, and people-to-people connections across one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.
For travellers, business professionals, investors, and multinational companies, these changes could significantly simplify travel to Canada.
What Has Changed?
Prior to this announcement, most citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia generally required a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to travel to Canada.
Under the new policy, certain travellers from these countries may now qualify for an eTA, a faster and simpler travel authorization process.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of Indonesia or Malaysia
- Travel to Canada by air
- Have held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) within the past 10 years, or
- Currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa
Eligible travellers can apply online for an eTA instead of submitting a full visitor visa application.
Travellers who already possess a valid Canadian visitor visa can continue using their existing visa until it expires.
What Is an eTA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital travel document linked electronically to a traveller’s passport.
It allows Canadian authorities to conduct pre-travel security and admissibility screening before an individual boards a flight to Canada.
Compared to a visitor visa application, the eTA process is generally:
- Faster
- Less expensive
- Completed entirely online
- Processed before travel
It is important to understand that an eTA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into Canada. Final admission decisions remain with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the port of entry.
Why Is Canada Making This Change?
The policy aligns with Canada’s long-term Indo-Pacific Strategy, which seeks to strengthen economic relationships throughout the region.
According to IRCC, the initiative supports:
- Increased trade and investment opportunities
- Business mobility between Canada and Southeast Asia
- Tourism growth
- Academic and professional exchanges
- Stronger diplomatic and economic partnerships
The Government of Canada has emphasized that border security remains a priority, noting that eligible travellers have already undergone screening through either Canada’s previous visa process or the United States visa system.
Why Indonesia and Malaysia Matter to Canada
The economic relationship between Canada and Southeast Asia continues to expand rapidly.
Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest economy in Southeast Asia and an increasingly important trading partner for Canada.
In 2025:
- Canada-Indonesia bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately $6.75 billion.
- Canadian exports to Indonesia totaled approximately $3 billion.
- Indonesia became Canada’s second-largest export destination in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia
Malaysia remains one of Canada’s most important trading partners in the region.
Since 2020:
- Bilateral trade between Canada and Malaysia has increased by approximately 60%.
- Trade volumes grew from $3.8 billion in 2020 to $6.1 billion in 2025.
The new travel facilitation measures are expected to support continued economic growth and business collaboration between these countries and Canada.
What This Means for Business Travellers
The new eTA eligibility may be particularly beneficial for:
- Business executives
- Investors
- Corporate representatives
- Conference attendees
- Trade mission participants
- Entrepreneurs exploring opportunities in Canada
By reducing visa processing requirements for eligible travellers, Canada hopes to encourage more commercial engagement and investment from key Indo-Pacific markets.
For companies with operations in Canada and Southeast Asia, the changes may also simplify employee travel planning and short-term business visits.
What This Means for Tourism
Canada welcomed approximately:
- 18,300 visitors from Indonesia in 2025
- 11,500 visitors from Malaysia in 2025
The streamlined travel process may encourage additional tourism growth by making it easier for eligible travellers to visit Canada for vacations, family visits, cultural exchanges, and special events.
Important Limitations
Travellers should note that:
- The eTA is available only for air travel.
- Those arriving by land or sea may still require a visitor visa depending on their circumstances.
- Eligibility is limited to travellers who meet the previous Canadian TRV or valid U.S. visa requirements.
- Individuals who do not qualify for the eTA must continue applying for a Temporary Resident Visa.
Because every travel situation is unique, applicants should carefully review their eligibility before making travel arrangements.
How VisaServe Can Help
Determining whether you qualify for an eTA, visitor visa, business visitor status, work permit, or other Canadian immigration program can be more complex than it appears.
At VisaServe Immigration Law P.C., our team assists individuals, families, business travellers, investors, and employers with Canadian immigration and cross-border mobility matters.
Whether you are travelling to Canada for business, tourism, investment opportunities, or future immigration plans, obtaining the correct travel authorization is an important first step.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s decision to expand eTA eligibility for certain Indonesian and Malaysian citizens reflects the country’s growing focus on strengthening relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
The change offers a more efficient travel pathway for eligible visitors while maintaining Canada’s commitment to security and border integrity.
For travellers who meet the eligibility requirements, visiting Canada may soon become faster and more convenient than ever before.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Individuals should consult qualified legal counsel regarding their specific circumstances before making immigration or travel decisions.
Reach out to our team at info@visaserve.ca or call 905-203-2266 to speak with an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer today.
