Eligible Visitors from Malaysia and Indonesia Can Now Enter Canada on an eTA

Starting May 26, 2026, some travellers from the two countries can now fly to Canada using an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of applying for a temporary resident visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa. 

The update is expected to make short-term travel to Canada faster and simpler for eligible tourists, business travellers, and family visitors from Indonesia and Malaysia. 

Key Takeaways 

• Eligible travellers from Malaysia and Indonesia can now enter Canada with an eTA instead of a visitor visa. 

• Applicants must either have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa. 

• The move is part of Canada’s broader effort to strengthen economic and political ties across the Indo-Pacific region. 

Who Can Apply for an eTA? 

Not all travellers from Malaysia and Indonesia automatically qualify for an eTA. This measure is designed for travellers who have previously been screened by either the US or Canada and are “known” to Canada.  

To be eligible, travellers must: 

• Be flying to Canada or transiting through a Canadian airport 

• Hold a passport from Indonesia or Malaysia 

• Have either held a Canadian temporary resident visa in the last 10 years or currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa. 

Travellers who do not meet these conditions will still need to apply for a regular visitor visa before coming to Canada. All Malaysian and Indonesian citizens entering Canada by car, bus, train, or boat will continue to need a TRV. 

eTA vs. Temporary Resident Visa 

An electronic travel authorization is a digital travel document linked to a passport. It is required for many visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada. 

Unlike a temporary resident visa (also called a visitor visa), an eTA application is completed online, usually within minutes or days. The processing fee for an eTA is currently CAD $7. 

The electronic authorization is generally valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can enter Canada multiple times within that period, though each stay is usually limited to up to six months (unless a longer duration is authorized by the border officer). 

An eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. Travellers must still meet admissibility and other eligibility requirements when they arrive. 

Why Canada Is Expanding eTA Access 

IRCC said the policy change is part of Canada’s effort to strengthen trade, tourism, and strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.  

Canada has increasingly focused on the Indo-Pacific in recent years as the region grows in economic importance. Easier travel rules can help support business connections, tourism, student mobility, and family visits. 

The government has used similar policies before. In 2023, Canada expanded eTA eligibility to travellers from several additional countries with a history of lawful travel to Canada or the United States. 

What This Means for Travellers 

For eligible travellers from Malaysia and Indonesia, the new system could significantly reduce both processing times and paperwork. 

Visitor visa applications often require biometrics, financial documents, and longer processing periods. An eTA application is generally much simpler. 

However, travellers should still confirm which document they need before booking flights. Canada’s entry rules depend on citizenship, travel history, and how someone is entering the country.