The Government of Canada is seeking to diversify Canada's trade partners to support a stronger, more resilient economy. Safely increasing mobility between Canada and its trade partners helps support these efforts.
The Indo-Pacific is one of the world's fastest-growing economic regions and a key partner in Canada's efforts to diversify trade, attract investment and support long-term economic growth. Indonesia and Malaysia are important economic partners for Canada in Southeast Asia. Expanding visa‑free air travel for eligible travellers will help strengthen economic and people-to-people ties while maintaining border security and the integrity of the immigration system.
Canada continues to strengthen collaboration and engagement across the Indo-Pacific region through a range of efforts, including the Indo-Pacific Strategy and deeper engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This work includes strengthening economic partnerships through agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, as well as ongoing negotiations for an ASEAN-Canada free trade agreement. Expanding visa-free air travel can help strengthen commercial ties, support investment and innovation, attract global talent, streamline access for business visitors, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.
Eligibility for travel with an electronic travel authorization
Eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia may apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA), instead of a visa, if they're flying to Canada and have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV) within the last 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa at the time of application. This cohort of travellers is considered "known" to Canada because they have previously been screened by Canada or the US.
All other citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as all citizens travelling to Canada by car, bus, train or boat, will continue to require a visitor visa. Eligible travellers must still apply for a study or work permit if needed.
People who already have a valid TRV can continue to use it to travel to Canada. A TRV or an eTA doesn't guarantee entry to Canada. Importantly, all travellers remain subject to screening and admissibility checks at the border.
Visit our website to check if you need a visa or eTA to travel to Canada.
Maintaining border security and immigration integrity
Changes to visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia support stronger travel, tourism and business ties with key Indo-Pacific partners, while maintaining strong screening and border security measures. Canada's visa policy is designed to facilitate travel for legitimate visitors while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians.
Eligible travellers from these countries continue to be screened through the eTA system and again at the border before entering Canada.
As part of Canada's Border Plan, IRCC and its partners have strengthened screening, expanded information sharing and enhanced fraud detection to help identify non-genuine travellers and protect the integrity of Canada's immigration and asylum systems. These measures support Canada's visa policy decisions, including changes for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia.
In 2025, Canada also strengthened authorities to cancel eTAs, visas, and work or study permits in specific circumstances.
