Canada ETA Exemption Extended to Indonesia and Malaysia

Travel to Canada just got easier for a new wave of international visitors. Since 26 May 2026, the Government of Canada has officially relaxed entry requirements for citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia. Travellers transiting or visiting for business or tourism can now bypass the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) route and enter with a simple Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

On 25 May, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Lena Metlege Diab confirmed that Indonesian and Malaysian passport holders would benefit from the streamlined entry procedure. The ETA application process became available from 26 May.

Source: Canadian government portal

What’s changing for travellers?

Until now, Indonesian or Malaysian citizens needed a full TRV visa—requiring biometrics, weeks of processing time and significant administrative fees. If you already have a clean travel history with Canada or the U.S., you can now use the ETA, a fast, low-cost digital process.

RequirementElectronic Travel Authorization (ETA)Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)Eligible travellersIndonesian/Malaysian travellers with a "known traveler" statusFirst-time travellers or those entering by land or seaTypical processing time~72 hoursWeeks to monthsEntry methodAir travel onlyAir, land, or sea

Expert tip: Your ETA is electronically linked to a valid passport. It’s valid for up to five years or until passport expiry and allows stay for tourism or business of up to six months per visit.

Three strict conditions to qualify for the Canada ETA

This is not a blanket visa waiver. You must meet all three criteria at the time of applying:

• Citizenship: You must hold a valid passport issued by Indonesia or Malaysia.

• Travel history ("known traveler" status): One of the following must apply:

  • You held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in the past 10 years, or

  • You currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2, H-1B, F-1, etc.).

• Mode of transport: The ETA is only valid for entry by air—on commercial or chartered flights to a Canadian airport.

When does the traditional TRV still apply?

If you don’t meet the above conditions, current rules remain in force. A TRV is still required in these cases:

• First trip to North America: You’ve never held a Canadian visa recently and don’t possess an active U.S. visa.

• Entry by land or sea: Landing in the U.S. (e.g., Seattle or New York) and planning to cross the border into Canada by car, bus, train or cruise—your ETA won’t cover this; you need a TRV.

• Long-term stays: An ETA never covers work or study in Canada. Study or work permits still require full TRV application processes, regardless of travel history.

Why is Canada targeting the Indo-Pacific?

This administrative overhaul is part of a larger geopolitical and economic strategy. In 2026, the Indo-Pacific is projected as the world’s growth engine. Through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada is diversifying supply chains and attracting foreign investment. Indonesia and Malaysia, as ASEAN leaders and key trading partners, are central to Ottawa’s plans. By easing entry for businesspeople, investors and tourists from these nations, Canada supports free-trade agreements (like the Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement), while boosting domestic demand.

In June 2023, Canada also added 13 new nationalities to its ETA eligibility (for travellers with valid non-immigrant U.S. visas or previous Canadian visas), broadening its international partnerships across tourism, business and culture.

Need hands-on support? Even small ETA form errors or misinterpreted eligibility can lead to boarding bans. Our team handles passport audits, prior-visa compliance checks and compliant ETA submissions on your behalf.