Canada Makes Travel Easier for Indonesians and Malaysians

Introduction

Canada is making some important changes to its travel rules for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia. These new updates are part of Canada’s efforts to build stronger trade, business, and international relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.

Starting May 26, 2026, some travellers from these countries may no longer need a full visitor visa to travel to Canada by air.

Canada Expands Its Indo-Pacific Partnerships

As Canada continues to grow its connections across the Indo-Pacific region, the government wants to make travel easier for trusted international travellers. At the same time, Canada says it will continue to maintain strong border safety and security measures.

According to the announcement made by Lena Metlege Diab, these changes are expected to improve business opportunities, increase trade, and strengthen international partnerships.

Who Can Benefit from the New Travel Changes?

Under the new rules, eligible citizens from Indonesia and Malaysia may be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

However, travellers must meet certain conditions.

They may qualify for an eTA if they:

• Held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) within the last 10 years, or
• Currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa

Because these travellers have already been screened by either Canada or the United States, the process becomes simpler for future travel to Canada.

What Is an eTA?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital travel document required for visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada.

In simple words, it is a faster and easier process compared to applying for a full visitor visa. Additionally, Canadian officials use the eTA system to complete pre-travel security screening before travellers board their flight.

Important Things Travellers Should Know

Although the new rules make travel easier for some people, there are still a few important points to remember:

• The eTA is only available for air travel
• Travellers who already have a valid Canadian visa can continue using it
• Not everyone from Indonesia and Malaysia automatically qualifies
• Eligible travellers must still meet Canada’s security and entry requirements

Therefore, travellers should carefully check their eligibility before applying.

Why Is Canada Making These Changes?

Canada says these changes are part of a bigger strategy to strengthen economic and business relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.

By making travel more convenient, Canada hopes to:

• Encourage international business and investment
• Build stronger trade partnerships
• Attract skilled talent and entrepreneurs
• Support long-term economic growth

As a result, easier travel could help improve business connections between Canada and Southeast Asian countries.

Canada’s Growing Trade Relationship with Indonesia

Indonesia is currently Southeast Asia’s largest economy and an important trade partner for Canada.

In 2025:

• Trade between Canada and Indonesia reached $6.75 billion
• Canada exported around $3 billion worth of goods to Indonesia
• Indonesia became Canada’s second-largest export market in Southeast Asia

Because of this growing relationship, Canada sees Indonesia as an important partner for future economic growth.

Canada’s Strong Business Ties with Malaysia

Similarly, Canada’s relationship with Malaysia has also grown significantly over the past few years.

Since 2020:

• Trade between Canada and Malaysia increased by 60%
• Bilateral trade reached $6.1 billion in 2025

This steady growth highlights the increasing importance of Malaysia in Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

More Travellers Visiting Canada

Canada also welcomed thousands of visitors from both countries in 2025.

According to the government:

• Around 18,300 visitors came from Indonesia
• About 11,500 visitors arrived from Malaysia

With the new travel changes, these numbers could increase even further in the coming years.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Canada’s new visa changes aim to make travel easier for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia while still maintaining border security.

At the same time, the move supports Canada’s larger goal of strengthening trade, business, and international partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. For eligible travellers, the new eTA option could make visiting or doing business in Canada much more convenient.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).