Canada strengthens Indo-Pacific ties through changes to visa requirements…
Canada will ease visa requirements for certain Indonesian and Malaysian citizens starting May 26, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced. Eligible travellers from both countries will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization instead of a full temporary resident visa when flying to or transiting through Canada.
Until now, all Indonesian and Malaysian passport holders needed a temporary resident visa to enter Canada by air. The change aligns with Canada's broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which seeks to deepen trade and investment ties across the region while diversifying economic partnerships beyond traditional markets.
To qualify for an eTA under the new policy, Indonesian and Malaysian citizens must meet one of two conditions: they must either have held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the last 10 years, or currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa. According to the official release on canada.ca, this requirement ensures applicants have already been screened by Canadian or American immigration authorities. Travellers who already possess a valid Canadian temporary resident visa can continue using it and are not required to switch to an eTA.
"Changes to visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia will help reinforce these ties," the announcement states, emphasizing Canada's commitment to border security.
The policy affects Indonesian and Malaysian business travellers, tourists, and family visitors who fly to Canada and have prior visa history with Canada or the United States. It does not apply to travellers entering Canada by land or sea, who continue to follow existing entry requirements. Indonesians and Malaysians without the qualifying visa history must still apply for a temporary resident visa through the standard process.
Eligible travellers should apply for an eTA online before booking flights to Canada. The eTA costs CAD $7, links electronically to the passport, and remains valid for up to five years or until the passport expires. Applicants need a valid passport, a credit or debit card for payment, and an email address. Processing typically takes minutes, though some applications may require additional documents and take several days. Travellers can check eTA eligibility and submit applications through the IRCC website starting at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time on May 26.
Source: canada.ca IRCC news — published 2026-05-25.