Canada has partially lifted visa requirements for Indonesia and Malaysia, adding both countries to the Electronic Travel Authorization Expansion (eTA-X) program effective May 26, 2026. This change allows select citizens from these countries to apply for an electronic travel authorization instead of a visitor visa when traveling to Canada by air.
While Indonesia and Malaysia remain visa-required countries, eligible travelers can now choose the faster eTA application process if they meet specific criteria. The eTA-X program requires applicants to have either held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the past 10 years or currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa.
| Country | Previous Requirement | New Option | Travel Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | Visitor visa required | eTA for eligible travelers | Air travel only |
| Malaysia | Visitor visa required | eTA for eligible travelers | Air travel only |
Who Qualifies for eTA-X Program
The eTA-X program has strict eligibility requirements that travelers must meet before applying. Citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia can apply for an eTA only if they are traveling to Canada by air and meet one of two specific conditions at the time of application.
The first qualification requires applicants to have held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the past 10 years. This includes any visitor visa, work permit, or study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada during this timeframe. The visa must have been valid and used for entry to Canada, demonstrating the applicant's previous compliance with Canadian immigration requirements.
The second qualification allows travelers who currently hold a valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa to apply for an eTA. This includes various types of American visas such as tourist visas, business visas, or transit visas. The U.S. visa must be valid at the time of the eTA application and remain valid throughout the planned travel period to Canada.
Travelers who do not meet either qualification must still apply for a traditional visitor visa through the standard process. Land and sea travelers from Indonesia and Malaysia continue to require a visitor visa regardless of their eligibility for the eTA-X program, as the electronic authorization is exclusively for air travel.
Application Process and Requirements
The eTA application process for Indonesian and Malaysian citizens follows the same streamlined online system used by other eTA-eligible countries. Applicants must complete the electronic form, provide required documentation, and pay the processing fee before traveling to Canada.
Required documents include a valid passport from Indonesia or Malaysia with at least six months remaining validity. Applicants must also provide evidence of their qualifying status, either documentation of their previous Canadian visa or their current valid U.S. nonimmigrant visa. Digital copies of these documents can be uploaded during the online application process.
The eTA application typically processes within minutes, though some applications may require additional review and take several days. Travelers should apply for their eTA before booking flights to ensure approval before travel. The current processing times remain consistent with other eTA applications from eligible countries.
Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the traveler's passport and remains valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Multiple entries to Canada are permitted during this validity period, with each stay limited to six months unless otherwise authorized by border officials.
Existing Visa Holders and Transition Period
Indonesian and Malaysian citizens who currently hold valid visitor visas can continue using these documents to travel to Canada until they expire. There is no requirement to switch to an eTA immediately, and existing visas remain fully valid for their original duration and conditions.
Travelers with existing visitor visas may choose to apply for an eTA during their next application cycle if they meet the eligibility requirements. This can provide greater convenience for future travel, as eTAs typically process faster than visitor visa applications and cost less than traditional visa applications.
The transition applies only to new applications after May 26, 2026. Applications submitted before this date continue to be processed under previous requirements, meaning travelers who applied for visitor visas before the announcement will receive visas rather than eTAs regardless of their eligibility status.
Border officials at Canadian airports and land crossings have been trained on the new requirements and will accept both valid visitor visas and approved eTAs from Indonesian and Malaysian citizens. Travelers should carry documentation proving their eligibility for the eTA-X program when traveling with an eTA rather than a traditional visa.
Impact on Travel Methods and Border Crossings
The eTA-X expansion specifically applies only to air travel, maintaining existing requirements for land and sea crossings. Indonesian and Malaysian citizens traveling to Canada by car, bus, train, or cruise ship must still obtain a visitor visa regardless of their eligibility for the eTA program.
This distinction is particularly important for travelers planning multi-modal trips or those considering overland travel from the United States. Even travelers who hold valid eTAs must obtain visitor visas if they plan to enter Canada through land borders or sea ports during their trip.
Airport processing for Indonesian and Malaysian citizens with approved eTAs follows the same procedures as other eTA holders. Travelers present their passports to border officials, who verify the electronic authorization in the system. No additional documentation is typically required at the airport beyond the passport linked to the approved eTA.
The change does not affect transit requirements for travelers passing through Canadian airports without entering the country. Indonesian and Malaysian citizens transiting through Canada continue to follow existing transit rules, which may require visitor visas depending on their specific circumstances and final destinations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an eTA if I'm traveling to Canada by car from the United States?
No, the eTA-X program only applies to air travel. Indonesian and Malaysian citizens must obtain a visitor visa for land or sea travel to Canada, even if they qualify for an eTA.
What happens if my U.S. visa expires after I receive my eTA?
Your eTA remains valid even if the qualifying U.S. visa expires after approval. The U.S. visa is only required to be valid at the time of eTA application, not throughout the entire validity period of the authorization.
Do I need to apply for a new eTA if I get a new passport?
Yes, eTAs are linked to specific passports. You must apply for a new eTA if you renew your passport or receive a replacement, even if your previous eTA had not expired.
Can I apply for both an eTA and a visitor visa at the same time?
No, you should apply for only one type of authorization. Choose an eTA if you meet the requirements and are traveling by air, or apply for a visitor visa if you don't qualify for eTA-X or plan to travel by land or sea.
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada program delivery updates. Last verified: May 26, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice — consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
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