Key Takeaways
- Effective May 26 2025 at 5:30 a.m. EDT, Indonesian and Malaysian citizens who meet specific criteria can travel to Canada by air using an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a temporary resident visa (TRV).
- Eligibility requires either a Canadian TRV held within the past 10 years or a current valid U.S. non‑immigrant visa; all other nationals from these countries still need a visitor visa.
- The eTA costs CAD 7, is processed online in minutes, and remains valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, permitting multiple entries.
- Travel by land, sea, or rail continues to require a visitor visa regardless of eTA eligibility.
- The change aligns with Canada’s Indo‑Pacific Strategy to boost people‑to‑people ties while maintaining border security.
Overview of the Announcement
On May 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia will gain access to visa‑free travel to Canada under an electronic travel authorization (eTA) regime. The measure takes effect on May 26 at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Prior to this change, travelers from both nations were obligated to obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) before departure—a process that could span weeks or months. By shifting to the eTA pathway, Canada aims to streamline entry for low‑risk visitors while preserving security screening at the border.
Who Is Eligible for the eTA
To qualify for an eTA, Indonesian or Malaysian citizens must be traveling to—or transiting through—Canada by air and satisfy one of two conditions at the time of application: they must have held a Canadian TRV at any point in the last 10 years, or they must currently possess a valid U.S. non‑immigrant visa. IRCC labels this group “known travellers” because Canadian or U.S. immigration authorities have already vetted them through prior visa processes. Applicants who do not meet either criterion remain subject to the regular visitor‑visa requirement.
Who Still Needs a Visitor Visa and Travel‑Mode Considerations
Citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia who do not fulfill the eTA conditions must continue to apply for a visitor visa before entering Canada by air. Moreover, a visitor visa remains mandatory for anyone—regardless of eTA eligibility—entering Canada by land (car or bus), rail, or sea (boat). The eTA exemption applies solely to air travel; all other modes of transport retain the existing visa requirements to ensure consistent screening across entry points.
Validity and Use of Existing TRVs
Individuals who already hold a valid Canadian TRV may continue to use that document for entry until either the TRV expires or their passport expires, whichever occurs first. There is no immediate obligation to switch to an eTA; the existing TRV remains recognized as a valid travel authorization. This provision protects travelers who have recently obtained visas and avoids unnecessary duplication of documentation.
How to Apply for an eTA
The eTA application is completed entirely online. Applicants must have a valid passport, a credit or debit card for the CAD 7 fee, and an active email address. Before starting, they should review the instructions, as the form cannot be saved midway. After filling out the fields on IRCC’s website, the system prompts for payment. Most decisions are rendered within minutes, and applicants receive an email confirming their eTA status. If additional information is required, IRCC contacts the applicant via email within 72 hours, providing clear instructions for submission. Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the passport and permits multiple entries for up to five years or until the passport lapses, provided the traveler remains admissible at the border.
Comparison with Visitor Visas and Entry Guarantees
Compared with a traditional visitor visa, the eTA is markedly faster, cheaper, and simpler: visitor visas often take weeks to process, require biometrics, and demand supporting documents such as proof of funds or invitation letters. The eTA eliminates those steps for eligible travelers. However, possession of an eTA does not guarantee entry; all travelers, including eTA holders, remain subject to examination by Canada Border Services Agency officers, who assess admissibility based on criteria such as criminal history, health, and intent to leave Canada at the end of the stay.
Rationale Behind the Expansion
The eTA extension for Indonesian and Malaysian citizens is a component of Canada’s broader Indo‑Pacific Strategy, which seeks to deepen trade, investment, and people‑to‑people connections across the region. Indonesia and Malaysia are identified as key economic partners for Canada in Southeast Asia, and facilitating travel is viewed as a catalyst for increased business tourism, academic exchange, and cultural linkages. IRCC has progressively expanded eTA eligibility in recent years—most notably granting full visa‑free access to Qatari citizens in November 2025—and the Indonesian‑Malaysian adjustment mirrors the conditional eTA framework previously applied to countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Argentina, and Morocco.
Statistical Context and Ministerial Commentary
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab highlighted the change as part of ongoing efforts to diversify Canada’s trade relationships while upholding border security. In 2025 alone, Canada welcomed approximately 18,300 visitors from Indonesia and 11,500 visitors from Malaysia. By lowering procedural barriers for low‑risk travelers, the government anticipates growth in these numbers, reinforcing the economic and social ties that the Indo‑Pacific Strategy aims to nurture. The move also signals Canada’s commitment to adapting its immigration tools to reflect evolving global mobility patterns while maintaining rigorous safeguards at the border.