Canada Added Indonesia and Malaysia to eTA List
The government amended immigration regulations to allow visa-free air travel for citizens of both nations.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Canada
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On June 3, 2026, Canada expanded its Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) program to include Indonesia and Malaysia. This policy change allows eligible citizens from these two countries to travel to Canada by air without obtaining a traditional visitor visa.
Why it matters
The expansion aims to facilitate legitimate international travel for citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia while maintaining Canada's established border security protocols. This shift simplifies the entry process for visitors by replacing the requirement for a visitor visa with the eTA system.
Indonesia and Malaysia were added to subsection 7.01(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. The eTA remains electronically linked to a traveler's passport.
The players
Canadian Government
This is the federal authority responsible for managing national immigration policy and border security.
The details
Applicants from these nations can now apply for the eTA online, streamlining the entry process for air travel. The amendment was formally published in the Canada Gazette to update the eligibility table for foreign nationals.
Timeline
The Canadian government originally introduced the eTA system in 2016.
Canada published the formal amendment to the regulations on June 3, 2026.
Travel Outlook
This amendment fits into the broader evolution of Canada's visa waiver programs as the government refines entry requirements for international visitors. It follows a multi-year trend of expanding eTA access to simplify travel procedures for select global partners.
Travelers from Indonesia and Malaysia can now apply for an eTA online instead of undergoing the traditional visitor visa process. Those planning a trip to Canada should verify their eligibility and ensure their passport is ready for the digital link required by the system.
The takeaway
Travelers should ensure they use official government portals when applying for travel authorizations to avoid potential scams. This change represents a significant shift for citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia, reducing the logistical burden of visiting Canada by air.
Further reading
For additional information on entry requirements, visit the Canada travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Legit.ng - Nigeria news..
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