Canada’s New Travel Rules: eTA for Indonesian & Malaysian Citizens Starting May 26, 2026

Canada Updates Travel Rules for Indonesian and Malaysian Citizens

Starting May 26, 2026, citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia have new options for traveling to Canada by air. Canada has replaced the traditional visitor visa requirement with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for eligible individuals. This change aims to streamline travel for those who have previously met Canada’s screening standards or have a valid U.S. visa.

This update applies specifically to air travel and transit. It means that many Indonesian and Malaysian citizens can now apply for an eTA, a simpler process than obtaining a full visitor visa. However, it’s important to understand that this change does not eliminate the need for a visa for all travelers from these countries, nor does it apply to all modes of entry.

The new policy is part of Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific region. By easing entry for certain travelers, Canada hopes to encourage more tourism and business. The decision was announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, highlighting a move towards more efficient travel processes for those who have already demonstrated they meet immigration requirements.

Who Qualifies for the eTA?

To be eligible for the eTA instead of a visitor visa, citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia must meet specific criteria. First, they must be traveling to Canada by air. Second, they must meet one of two conditions related to their past travel or current visa status.

The first condition is having held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the last 10 years. This shows a history of having successfully passed Canada’s immigration screening process. The second condition is currently holding a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa. This indicates that the traveler has also met the screening requirements of a neighboring country.

These conditions ensure that only individuals with a proven track record of meeting immigration standards can benefit from the eTA option. It’s a targeted approach to facilitate travel for a specific group of people.

Travel by Land and Sea Still Requires a Visitor Visa

While the eTA option is available for air travelers, it’s crucial to note that this change does not affect entry by land or sea. Citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia arriving in Canada by car, bus, train, or boat will still need to obtain a visitor visa. This distinction is important for trip planning, as the entry method dictates the required documentation.

Canada has maintained the visitor visa requirement for these modes of transport. This means that even if an individual qualifies for an eTA for air travel, they must still apply for a visitor visa if their journey involves crossing the border by land or water. The eTA is strictly for those flying into or transiting through Canada.

Existing Visas Remain Valid

For individuals who already possess a valid Canadian temporary resident visa, there is no immediate need to change their travel plans. These existing visas will remain valid until their expiration date, or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers can continue to use their current visas as usual.

This provision ensures a smooth transition and avoids disruption for those who have already completed the visitor visa application process. The new eTA system offers an alternative for eligible future travelers, but it does not invalidate current, valid travel documents.

Understanding the eTA vs. Visitor Visa Distinction

The introduction of the eTA for eligible Indonesian and Malaysian citizens represents a significant change, but it’s important to understand its scope. The eTA is an electronic authorization that allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to Canada by air for short stays, such as tourism or business. It is linked to the traveler’s passport and is typically valid for five years or until the passport expires.

A visitor visa, on the other hand, is a physical stamp placed in a passport. It allows entry into Canada for a specific purpose and duration. While the eTA simplifies the process for those who qualify, the visitor visa remains the required document for many other situations, including land and sea arrivals, and for those who do not meet the eTA eligibility criteria.

The new policy is a targeted measure, not a blanket visa-free policy. It recognizes travelers who have already undergone screening, either by Canada or the United States, and applies it to air travel. This careful approach ensures that Canada continues to manage its borders effectively while making travel more accessible for certain groups.

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