Canada Expands eTA Eligibility for Citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia
Canada has changed its entry requirements for certain citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Starting May 26, 2026, eligible Indonesian and Malaysian citizens may apply for an electronic travel authorization, commonly known as an eTA, instead of a visitor visa when travelling to Canada by air.
This does not mean that all Indonesian and Malaysian citizens can now travel to Canada visa-free. The change is limited to travellers who meet specific conditions.
Who can apply for an eTA?
Citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia may be eligible for an eTA if they are flying to Canada or transiting through a Canadian airport, and they meet one of the following conditions:
• They held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the last 10 years; OR
• They currently hold a valid United States non-immigrant visa.
IRCC considers these travellers to be previously screened, either by Canada or the United States. Travellers who do not meet these conditions still need to apply for a visitor visa before travelling to Canada.
**The new eTA eligibility applies only to air travel. If an Indonesian or Malaysian citizen is travelling to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, they still need a visitor visa, even if they previously held a Canadian visa or currently hold a valid U.S. visa.
What if you already have a valid Canadian visa?
Indonesian and Malaysian citizens who already have a valid Canadian visitor visa do not need to apply for an eTA right away. They may continue using their visa until it expires or until their passport expires, whichever comes first.
Does this apply to workers and students?
The eTA is a travel document. It does not give a person permission to work or study in Canada.
Indonesian and Malaysian citizens who want to work or study in Canada must still apply for the proper work permit or study permit. If approved, eligible applicants may receive an eTA linked to their passport, but the permit requirement remains the same.
How much does an eTA cost?
An eTA costs $7.00 CAD. The application is completed online. In many cases, approval is issued within minutes, but some applicants may be asked to provide additional information.
Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the passport. It is usually valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Why this change matters
For eligible travellers, this change may make travel to Canada faster, cheaper, and easier.
A visitor visa can require more documents, biometrics, and longer processing times. An eTA is simpler and less expensive. Still, an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. Travellers must still meet the entry requirements at the border. A Canada Border Services Agency officer will make the final decision when the person arrives.
