Canada Introduces eTA for Indonesian and Malaysian Visitors

Canada is introducing new travel measures for Indonesian and Malaysian citizens, aiming to simplify air travel while maintaining border security. Starting May 26, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time, eligible travellers can apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a traditional visa when visiting or transiting through Canada by air. This policy aligns with Canada’s broader effort to strengthen trade, investment, and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Simplified Travel with eTA

The eTA is an electronic authorization linked to a traveller’s passport, allowing pre-screening before boarding a flight to Canada. Unlike the traditional temporary resident visa (TRV), which requires in-person submission and processing at a visa office, the eTA is completed entirely online. Eligible applicants can obtain approval within minutes, although some cases may require additional processing.

To qualify for an eTA, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Have held a Canadian TRV within the last 10 years
• Hold a valid US non-immigrant visa

Travellers who already possess a valid TRV can continue using it for entry. The eTA provides faster processing, reduces paperwork, and makes travel to Canada more efficient while maintaining pre-travel security screening.

Economic and Strategic Importance

Canada’s engagement with Indonesia and Malaysia has grown steadily. In 2025, Indonesia ranked as Canada’s third-largest merchandise trading partner in Southeast Asia, with $6.75 billion in bilateral trade. Canadian exports to Indonesia alone reached $3 billion, making it Canada’s second-largest export market in the region and the 17th-largest globally.

Malaysia has also seen significant trade growth with Canada. Bilateral trade increased by 60% from $3.8 billion in 2020 to $6.1 billion in 2025. Strengthening travel ties with these countries is expected to support Canadian businesses, attract skilled professionals, and enhance opportunities for innovation and investment.

In 2025, Canada welcomed approximately 18,300 visitors from Indonesia and 11,500 visitors from Malaysia, indicating growing interest in both tourism and business exchanges. By introducing the eTA for qualified travellers, Canada aims to make visits more convenient while ensuring continued safety at its borders.

Eligibility and Application Process

The eTA application process is straightforward:

• Complete the online application form
• Provide passport information
• Answer basic background questions
• Pay a small processing fee

Applicants are typically approved within minutes, though some may be asked to submit additional documents. The eTA is valid for multiple entries over a period of up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

From a strategic perspective, this policy demonstrates Canada’s commitment to balancing security and accessibility. It prioritizes pre-travel screening while reducing administrative barriers for frequent travellers and business visitors. For eligible Indonesian and Malaysian citizens, the eTA represents a faster and more flexible way to visit Canada compared to the traditional TRV.

Current challenges in international travel, such as long visa processing times and documentation requirements, can create delays for tourists and business professionals. Immigration services can assist by preparing applications, advising on eligibility, and representing travellers to ensure smooth and timely approval. These steps are particularly valuable for applicants seeking to leverage new eTA rules efficiently and confidently.