Travelers make their way to the departures terminal at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, May 20, 2022. Photo by Reuters
Canada has eased visa requirements for travelers from Malaysia and Indonesia, allowing qualified visitors to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA) instead of a traditional visitor visa.
The new policy took effect on May 26, according to a statement posted by the Government of Canada’s website.
Under the updated rules, Malaysian and Indonesian citizens who have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (TRVs) within the past 10 years, or who currently possess a valid United States non-immigrant visa, may qualify to apply for an eTA when traveling to or transiting through Canada by air.
Travelers who already hold valid Canadian TRVs may continue using them until they expire.
The policy change forms part of Canada’s broader strategy to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific region through closer trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
The eTA system allows Canadian authorities to conduct pre-travel screening for air passengers before departure.
