Canada has announced changes to its travel requirements for eligible citizens of Malaysia and Indonesia, making it easier for certain travellers to visit or transit through Canada by air. Effective May 26, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time, eligible citizens of both countries may be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of obtaining a temporary resident visa (TRV).
The change forms part of Canada’s efforts to strengthen connections throughout the Indo-Pacific region while facilitating travel for eligible visitors.
Who Is Eligible for an eTA?
Under the new policy, Malaysian and Indonesian citizens may qualify for an eTA if they meet one of the following requirements:
- They have held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the previous 10 years; or
- They currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa.
Eligible travellers who meet either criterion may apply for an eTA when travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is an electronic entry requirement for certain foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air and is generally obtained through an online application process.
The change expands eTA eligibility for certain travellers from Malaysia and Indonesia who have previously undergone immigration screening by Canada or the United States.
When Is a Visa Still Required?
The new measures do not eliminate visa requirements for all Malaysian and Indonesian travellers.
Citizens of Malaysia and Indonesia who do not meet the eligibility criteria for an eTA must continue to obtain a Canadian temporary resident visa before travelling to Canada. In addition, travellers entering Canada by land or sea will still require a temporary resident visa unless they are otherwise exempt under Canadian immigration laws and regulations.
Individuals who currently hold a valid Canadian temporary resident visa may continue to use that visa until it expires. There is no requirement for existing visa holders to apply for an eTA while their temporary resident visa remains valid.
As with all travel to Canada, possession of an eTA or a visa does not guarantee entry. Border services officers continue to assess admissibility and determine whether a traveller may enter Canada at the port of entry.
Supporting Travel and Economic Connections
According to the Government of Canada, the policy change is intended to facilitate travel and strengthen relationships with key Indo-Pacific partners. The government has stated that the measure is expected to support travel, tourism, business activity, investment, and commercial relationships between Canada, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
The announcement reflects Canada’s broader efforts to increase engagement throughout the Indo-Pacific region while maintaining immigration screening requirements for travellers who do not qualify under the new eTA eligibility criteria.
For eligible travellers, the eTA application process may provide a simpler and faster alternative to applying for a temporary resident visa before travelling to Canada by air.
Conclusion
Beginning May 26, 2026, certain citizens of Malaysia and Indonesia may be eligible to travel to Canada by air using an eTA instead of a temporary resident visa. Eligibility is limited to travellers who have held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the past 10 years or who currently possess a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.
Travellers should carefully review the applicable requirements before making travel plans to ensure they obtain the appropriate authorization for entry to Canada.
For assistance with visitor visas, eTAs, work permits, study permits, permanent residence applications, or other immigration matters, contact Jain Immigration Law.
Jain Immigration Law
Phone: +1 (416) 548-5533
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.jainimmigrationlaw.com