Canada is changing its visa requirements for some Indonesian and Malaysian travelers as part of its economic and strategic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.
In a news release published on May 25, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the new rules take effect on May 26, 2026. They apply only to citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia who meet specific eligibility criteria and who are traveling to Canada, or transiting through Canada, by air.
In practical terms, these travelers will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a Canadian temporary resident visa, provided they have held a Canadian temporary resident visa in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa. Travelers who already have a valid Canadian visa may continue to use it to enter Canada.
eTA available, but not for all travelers
The measure is therefore not a general visa exemption for all Indonesian and Malaysian citizens. It is aimed at travelers who are already known to Canadian or U.S. authorities, because they have previously undergone screening as part of a Canadian or U.S. visa process.
Eligible travelers will need to apply for an eTA before departure if they are arriving in Canada by air or transiting through a Canadian airport. The eTA is used by Canadian authorities to pre-screen air travelers before they board their flight.
However, Indonesian and Malaysian travelers who do not meet these conditions will still need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada, depending on their situation. IRCC also notes that an eTA is not a Canadian visitor visa and that each traveler should check which document is required before traveling.
Canada highlights its Indo-Pacific ties
Ottawa describes the change as a way to make travel easier while maintaining border safety and security requirements. The Canadian government directly links the measure to its goal of strengthening trade, investment and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
“Canada is working to attract the world’s brightest minds, strengthen our global partnerships and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers,” said Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
According to the minister, “changing visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia is part of a broader whole-of-government effort to deepen Canada’s engagement across the Indo-Pacific, support trade and investment, and makes it easier for people to connect, do business and contribute to Canada’s long-term economic growth.”
Indonesia and Malaysia, two major economic partners
IRCC also underscored the economic weight of both countries in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia, the region’s largest economy, was Canada’s third-largest merchandise trading partner among Southeast Asian countries in 2025, with $6.75 billion in bilateral trade. Canadian exports to Indonesia reached $3 billion that year, making the country Canada’s second-largest export market in the region.
Malaysia is also one of Canada’s key trading partners in Southeast Asia. According to Canadian authorities, bilateral trade with Malaysia has increased by 60% since 2020, rising from $3.8 billion to $6.1 billion in 2025.
Canada also says it welcomed about 18,300 visitors from Indonesia and 11,500 visitors from Malaysia in 2025.
