A new category of international travelers now has considerably easier access to Canadian territory. As of May 26, 2026, the Canadian government has officially modified its entry requirements for nationals of Indonesia and of Malaysia. For these nationals in transit or for a business or tourist stay, the formalities have been simplified. No more systematically going through the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) procedure: a simple Electronic Travel Authorization (AVE) may now suffice.
On May 25, Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, confirmed the following streamlined procedures for entering Canada for Indonesian and Malaysian citizens. AVE applications have been available since May 26.
What's in it for travelers?
Until now, any Indonesian or Malaysian citizen wishing to travel to Canada had to apply for a conventional visa (TRV), often involving the collection of biometric data, processing times of several weeks and significant administrative costs. If you have already proven your reliability as a migrant to Canada or the United States, Canada is now lightening its prior checks in favor of the’AVE, a fast, inexpensive digital procedure.
| Features | Travel Authorization (AVE) | Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) |
| Profiles concerned | Indonesian/Malaysian travelers (“known” traveler status) | First-time travellers, land/sea entries |
| Delivery time | Approx. 72 hours | From a few weeks to several months |
| Means of transport | Overground only | Air, land, sea |
| Complexity | Quick online form | Complete file + Biometrics (generally) |
💡 The rating of our visa experts : The AVE is electronically linked to your passport. It is valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires, and allows tourist or business stays of up to six months per visit.
The 3 strict conditions for obtaining a Canadian AVE
Please note that this is not a universal visa waiver. To replace the traditional visa with a simple AVE, the applicant must meet the following three criteria:
- Nationality : You must hold a valid passport issued by the’Indonesia or the Malaysia.
- Travel history (“Known” traveler status): You must be in one of two situations at the time of application: You must have held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for at least the last five years, and you must have been a Canadian citizen for at least the last five years. last 10 years OR currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (e.g. B1/B2, H1-B, F1 visas, etc.).
- Transport mode : The AVE is only valid than for arrivals by air (commercial or charter flights to a Canadian airport).
When is a classic visa (VRT) still required?
If your profile does not tick all the above boxes, the previous rules apply. You must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa.
- First trip to North America: You have never held a Canadian visa and do not have an active U.S. visa.
- Land or sea border crossing : If you land in the U.S. (e.g. Seattle or New York) and plan to cross the Canadian border by car, bus, train or cruise, the AVE will not work. The TRV is required.
- Long-term projects : The AVE does not allow you to work or study in Canada. Study and work permits are still subject to the usual procedures, regardless of your travel history.
Quick comparison: AVE vs Visa (VRT)
Background: Why is Canada targeting the Indo-Pacific?
Behind this administrative overhaul lies a major geopolitical and economic strategy. In 2026, the Indo-Pacific will be the engine of global growth. Through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, The Canadian government is actively seeking to diversify its supply chains and attract foreign investment. Indonesia and Malaysia are pillars of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and critical trading partners for Ottawa. By facilitating the mobility of talent, investors and tourists from these two countries, Canada is encouraging the signing of free trade agreements (such as the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) while stimulating its domestic market.
June 2023, the government had also added 13 new nationalities eligible for the AVE (if travellers hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a visa), enabling it to diversify its international partnerships (tourist, economic and cultural exchanges).
How can our agency help you?
Refusals due to data entry errors on the AVE form or misinterpretation of eligibility criteria will result in an inability to embark. Our teams will take care of auditing your passport, checking your prior visas and submitting your AVE file.
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