Canada has expanded its Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program, creating a faster travel option for eligible citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia. 

The change, announced on May 26, 2026, is part of Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization Expansion (eTA-X) program and is designed to simplify travel for certain visitors who have previously been screened by Canada or the United States.

Although Indonesia and Malaysia remain visa-required countries, some travellers from these countries may now qualify for an eTA instead of a visitor visa when travelling to Canada by air.

Who Is Eligible for an eTA?

Citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia may be eligible to apply for an eTA if they are travelling to Canada by air and meet one of the following requirements:

• They have held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) within the past 10 years; or
• They currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.

Travellers who do not meet either condition must continue applying for a regular Canadian visitor visa.

It is important to note that this exemption only applies to air travel. 

Individuals entering Canada by land or sea, including cruise ship passengers, must still obtain a visitor visa even if they meet the eTA eligibility requirements.

What is an eTA?

An Electronic Travel Authorization is a digital travel document linked electronically to a passport. It is generally quicker and easier to obtain than a visitor visa and is commonly used by travellers from visa-exempt countries.

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Why This Change Matters

The addition of Indonesia and Malaysia reflects Canada’s ongoing efforts to improve international mobility while maintaining border security. The move may encourage tourism, family visits, business travel, and educational exchanges between Canada and Southeast Asia.

For many travellers, obtaining an eTA can significantly reduce application processing times and paperwork requirements compared to a traditional visitor visa application.

What Applicants Should Do

Travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia should carefully review their travel history and current immigration documents before applying. Those who previously held a Canadian visitor visa or currently possess a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa may be able to benefit from the simplified process.

If you do not qualify for an eTA, you will still need to apply for a visitor visa before travelling to Canada.

Final Thoughts

Canada’s decision to extend eTA eligibility to Indonesia and Malaysia represents another step toward making international travel more accessible for eligible visitors. 

For qualified travellers, this change offers a faster and more convenient way to visit Canada while maintaining the country’s immigration and security standards.