Ottawa - In order to strengthening its ties with countries in Indo-Pacific Region, the government of Canada on Monday, 25 May 2026 issued a new visa regulation, particularly for the citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia.
The new visa policy come into effect by Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 5.30am eastern time.
The full announcement from the government of Canada as follows:
"As Canada continues to deepen its trade, investment and strategic partnerships across the Indo‑Pacific, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced today that Canada will make changes to visa requirements for eligible citizens from Indonesia and Malaysia starting tomorrow, May 26, 2026, at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Strengthening Canada’s engagement in the Indo‑Pacific is essential to diversifying markets, creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses and supporting long‑term economic growth. Changes to visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia will help reinforce these ties while maintaining Canada’s strong commitment to border safety and security.
Indonesian and Malaysian citizens who have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV) in the last 10 years or who currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa—and have therefore previously been screened by Canada or the US—may be eligible to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a visa when travelling to or transiting through Canada by air. People who already have a valid TRV can continue to use it to travel to Canada. Travellers can visit our website to learn who is eligible for an eTA and how to apply.
Canada remains committed to prioritizing the safety and security of its border while making travel more efficient for people visiting, or conducting business in Canada".***
