Canada has announced new travel changes for eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia as the country continues strengthening economic and business ties across the Indo-Pacific region.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) confirmed on 25 May 2026 that certain eligible travellers from both countries may now apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a temporary resident visa when flying to Canada. The changes officially took effect on May 26.
The update forms part of Canada’s broader efforts to strengthen trade partnerships, improve mobility, and support long term economic cooperation across Southeast Asia.
Who Is Eligible for Canada’s eTA Access?
According to the Canadian government, eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia may apply for an eTA if they:
- previously held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the last 10 years
- currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa
- are travelling to Canada by air
Canada says these travellers are considered previously screened applicants because they have already undergone immigration screening processes through either Canada or the United States.
All other citizens from both countries, including travellers entering Canada through land or sea borders, will still need to apply for a regular visitor visa.
People who already have a valid temporary resident visa can continue using it to travel to Canada. The government also clarified that having either a temporary resident visa or an eTA does not automatically guarantee entry into Canada, as all travellers remain subject to screening and admissibility checks at the border.
Canada Continues Strengthening Indo-Pacific Partnerships
Canada says the Indo-Pacific region remains one of the world’s fastest growing economic regions and an important part of the country’s long term trade and investment strategy.
Indonesia and Malaysia continue to serve as important economic partners for Canada across Southeast Asia.
According to the government, expanding eTA access for eligible travellers may help strengthen business mobility, improve tourism opportunities, support investment partnerships, encourage international collaboration, and improve people-to-people connections across both regions.
The changes also align with Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy and ongoing partnerships connected to ASEAN and regional trade agreements.
Why This Matters
The update may create faster and more affordable travel access for eligible Indonesian and Malaysian travellers entering Canada by air.
Compared to traditional visitor visas, the eTA process is generally simpler, less expensive, and often processed more quickly for eligible applicants.
The changes may particularly benefit business travellers, tourists, conference attendees, investors, professionals, and short term visitors looking to travel to Canada more easily for approved purposes.
At the same time, Canada says all travellers will still remain subject to border screening and admissibility checks upon arrival.
For many travellers, understanding whether they qualify for an eTA or still require a visitor visa remains an important part of planning travel to Canada properly.
This is one reason many applicants seek professional immigration guidance from Sehli Global before making important travel or immigration decisions.
How SehliGlobal Can Help
SehliGlobal helps applicants understand whether the new eTA changes for Indonesia and Malaysia apply to their situation, whether they still require a visitor visa, and what Canada travel or immigration options may currently be available based on their profile.
Applicants interested in understanding possible immigration or travel opportunities connected to their profile can book an appointment with Sehli Global here.
Conclusion
Canada’s latest eTA update for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia reflects the country’s continued efforts to strengthen economic relationships and improve mobility across the Indo-Pacific region.
While the changes may simplify travel access for some eligible visitors, travellers must still meet Canada’s immigration, permit, and border entry requirements before entering the country.
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