Canada Expands eTA Eligibility to Indonesia and Malaysia, Easing Business…
Canada has expanded its electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program to include citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia, effective immediately, according to an announcement reported by VisaHQ. Indonesian and Malaysian passport holders can now apply for an eTA instead of a traditional visitor visa when traveling to Canada by air for business or tourism purposes.
The change marks a significant shift for travelers from these two Southeast Asian nations, who previously required a temporary resident visa (TRV) for any visit to Canada, regardless of duration or purpose. The eTA process is faster, cheaper, and entirely online, typically processing within minutes and costing CAD $7 compared to the CAD $100 fee and weeks-long processing times associated with a standard visitor visa. This expansion aligns Canada's visa policy more closely with other major destinations that already offer streamlined entry for Indonesian and Malaysian nationals.
Under the new rules, eligible travelers must hold a valid passport from Indonesia or Malaysia, apply online through the official Government of Canada eTA portal, and pay the CAD $7 fee. The eTA is electronically linked to the traveler's passport and remains valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Each entry permits a stay of up to six months. Travelers arriving by land or sea still require a visitor visa; the eTA applies exclusively to air travel.
The announcement states that the expansion "facilitates increased business and leisure travel between Canada and Southeast Asia."
The change primarily benefits Indonesian and Malaysian business travelers, tourists, and family visitors who previously faced the administrative burden of in-person visa applications, biometric appointments, and extended wait times. Canada has been gradually expanding eTA eligibility since the program's 2016 launch, adding countries as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic and cultural ties while maintaining border security. Indonesia and Malaysia join a list of eTA-eligible countries that includes most European nations, several Latin American countries, and select Asian markets.
Travelers from Indonesia and Malaysia planning air travel to Canada should apply for their eTA before booking flights. The application requires a valid passport, an email address, and a credit or debit card for payment. Processing is usually immediate, though applicants should allow at least 72 hours before departure in case additional documentation is requested.
Source: Google News (Canada immigration) — published 2026-05-27.