Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a policy update for travelers from Indonesia and Malaysia. Eligible citizens will be able to fly to Canada using an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a temporary resident visa (TRV), with the changes taking effect on May 26 at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Under the new framework, qualifying travelers can apply for an eTA if they will be traveling to Canada by air (including transit) and meet one of two conditions at the time of application. They must have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV) at any point in the last 10 years, or they must currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa. Immigration authorities categorize this group as “known travelers” because their entries have already been vetted by Canadian or U.S. immigration services.
Citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia who do not meet these criteria will still require a visitor visa to travel to Canada by air. A visitor visa remains mandatory for any travel to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, regardless of eTA eligibility.
Indonesian and Malaysian nationals who already hold a valid TRV may continue to use it to enter Canada until it expires or until their passport expires, whichever comes first. There is no obligation to switch to an eTA immediately.
This move is expected to streamline travel for tourism, business, and family visits for eligible travelers. It reflects Canada’s ongoing effort to facilitate entry for trusted travelers while maintaining borders and security. Travelers are advised to verify the latest requirements before planning trips, and to note that eTA approvals are typically issued quickly, with duration aligned to the passport and travel needs.