On This Page You Will Find
- Who qualifies for Canada’s new eTA rules
- Which travellers still need a visitor visa
- Why Canada is making the changes now
- What the move means for business and tourism
- How Canada plans to maintain border security
Canada is expanding electronic travel authorization (eTA) eligibility for certain travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia in a move designed to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties across the Indo-Pacific region.
The changes, announced by Lena Metlege Diab, took effect on May 26, 2026, and will allow eligible citizens from both countries to apply for an eTA instead of a traditional visitor visa when travelling to Canada by air.
Ottawa says the move forms part of a broader strategy to deepen trade, investment and people-to-people links with Southeast Asia while maintaining strong border security measures.
Eligible Travellers Can Now Apply for an eTA
The most important part of the announcement is the expansion of eTA eligibility for some Indonesian and Malaysian citizens.
Starting May 26, 2026, eligible travellers can apply for an eTA instead of a temporary resident visa if they:
- Have held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the last 10 years, or
- Currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa
The exemption only applies to travellers arriving in or transiting through Canada by air.
Canada says these applicants are considered lower-risk because they have already undergone immigration screening by Canadian or US authorities. Travellers who already hold a valid Canadian visitor visa can continue using it without applying for an eTA.
The government also stressed that the changes do not create full visa-free travel for Indonesia and Malaysia.
Many Travellers Will Still Need a Visitor Visa
Travellers who do not meet the eligibility criteria will still need a traditional visitor visa to enter Canada. The same applies to anyone arriving by land or sea, including travel by car, train, bus or boat.
People planning to work or study in Canada must still apply for the appropriate permits before travelling.
Officials also emphasized that neither an eTA nor a visitor visa guarantees entry into Canada. All travellers remain subject to admissibility and security checks at the border.
Canada Links the Changes to Indo-Pacific Growth
The federal government tied the announcement directly to its wider Indo-Pacific Strategy and efforts to strengthen Canada’s economic position in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy and has become an increasingly important Canadian trading partner. In 2025, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries reached $6.75 billion. Canadian exports to Indonesia totalled $3 billion, making it Canada’s second-largest export market in Southeast Asia.
Trade ties with Malaysia have also grown rapidly. Since 2020, bilateral trade has increased by 60%, rising from $3.8 billion to $6.1 billion in 2025.
Ottawa believes easier travel rules for eligible visitors can support:
- Business travel
- Tourism
- Investment
- Commercial partnerships
- Labour mobility
The government says expanding easier travel access can help Canadian businesses strengthen relationships across one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions.
Visitor Numbers Already Rising
Canada welcomed approximately 18,300 visitors from Indonesia and 11,500 visitors from Malaysia in 2025.
Officials expect the eTA expansion could further increase travel volumes by making the process faster and less expensive for many travellers with existing Canadian or US travel histories.
The eTA system allows Canadian officials to carry out pre-travel screening before passengers board flights to Canada.
Ottawa Says Border Security Remains Strong
While Canada is easing travel requirements for some visitors, the government says border security measures remain firmly in place.
Travellers using an eTA will still undergo screening before travel and again after arriving in Canada. Ottawa says the changes are being introduced alongside stronger fraud detection systems, expanded information sharing and enhanced screening tools.
The federal government also highlighted new powers introduced in 2025 allowing authorities to cancel:
- eTAs
- Visitor visas
- Study permits
- Work permits
Officials say those measures are designed to help identify non-genuine travellers while protecting the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.
Part of Canada’s Wider Regional Strategy
The announcement reflects Canada’s wider push to diversify trade and investment relationships beyond traditional markets.
Ottawa has increased its engagement across Southeast Asia through initiatives including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, negotiations toward an ASEAN–Canada free trade agreement and the Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The federal government argues that easier travel access for eligible visitors can help attract investment, support innovation and create long-term economic opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can now apply for an eTA instead of a visitor visa?
Eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia can apply for an eTA if they have held a Canadian visitor visa within the last 10 years or currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa. The measure only applies to air travel.
Do all Indonesian and Malaysian travellers qualify for an eTA?
No. Travellers who do not meet the eligibility requirements still need a traditional visitor visa. People travelling to Canada by land or sea also continue to require a visa.
Can travellers still use an existing Canadian visitor visa?
Yes. Anyone who already has a valid Canadian temporary resident visa can continue using it to travel to Canada. They do not need to apply for an eTA.
Does an eTA guarantee entry into Canada?
No. An eTA only authorizes someone to board a flight to Canada. Border officers still decide whether travellers are admissible after carrying out security and immigration checks upon arrival.
Why is Canada expanding eTA eligibility now?
Canada says the changes support stronger trade, investment and diplomatic ties with Southeast Asia as part of its Indo-Pacific Strategy while still maintaining border security protections.