Canada to drop visa requirement for citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia

Canada to Drop Visa Requirement -- May 2026 -- What It Means for You

What Happened

On May 27, 2026, the Canadian government announced that it will be dropping the visa requirement for citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia, allowing them to enter the country on an Electronic Travel Authorization, or eTA. According to IRCC, this change is intended to facilitate easier travel access for eligible visitors from these countries. The IRCC announcement 2026 marks a significant shift in Canada's immigration policy, as it aims to promote tourism and economic growth. This decision is expected to take effect soon, although an exact implementation date has not been confirmed by IRCC. As a result of this change, citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia will no longer need to apply for a visa prior to their trip to Canada. Instead, they will be able to obtain an eTA, which is a simpler and more streamlined process.

Who Is Affected

The new policy will have a significant impact on various groups, including international students, PGWP holders, work permit holders, Express Entry candidates, and permanent residents. International students from Indonesia and Malaysia will benefit from the new policy, as they will no longer need to apply for a study permit and a visa separately. For instance, a student from Indonesia who wants to study in Toronto will only need to apply for a study permit, and then obtain an eTA for travel to Canada. PGWP holders from these countries will also be affected, as they will be able to travel to Canada more easily. A PGWP holder in Vancouver with a CRS of 450 would need to ensure they have a valid eTA before entering Canada. Work permit holders from Indonesia and Malaysia will also benefit from the new policy, as they will be able to enter Canada without a visa. Express Entry candidates from these countries may also see an increase in their chances of being selected, as the new policy may lead to an increase in the number of applicants.

What This Means in Plain English

The IRCC announcement 2026 means that citizens of Indonesia and Malaysia will have an easier time traveling to Canada. If you are a citizen of one of these countries and you want to visit Canada, you will no longer need to apply for a visa. Instead, you will be able to obtain an eTA, which is a simpler and more streamlined process. For example, if you applied for a visa in March 2026, this means your wait time changed from several months to just a few minutes, as the eTA application process is much faster. According to IRCC, the eTA process typically takes just a few minutes to complete, and the authorization is usually issued immediately. This change will make it easier for people from Indonesia and Malaysia to visit Canada, whether for tourism, business, or to see family and friends.

Historical Context

The IRCC announcement 2026 is not the first time that Canada has made changes to its visa requirements. In the past, Canada has lifted visa requirements for citizens of certain countries, such as Chile and Croatia. According to IRCC, these changes are intended to promote tourism and economic growth, and to make it easier for people to travel to Canada. The new policy is also part of a larger trend of increasing travel freedom between Canada and other countries. For instance, in 2015, Canada introduced the eTA program, which allowed citizens of certain countries to travel to Canada without a visa. Since then, the program has been expanded to include more countries, and the new policy is the latest development in this trend. As of May 2026, citizens of over 50 countries are eligible to apply for an eTA.

What to Do Right Now

If you are a citizen of Indonesia or Malaysia, you should start by checking the IRCC website to see if you are eligible for an eTA. You can do this by answering a few questions on the IRCC website, which will determine whether you need a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada. If you are eligible for an eTA, you can apply online and pay the required fee. According to IRCC, the fee for an eTA is $7, and the application process typically takes just a few minutes to complete. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, you can Ask Ikovia your immigration question to get personalized guidance. You should also make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Canada.

What to Expect Next

Based on the pattern of the IRCC announcement 2026, it is likely that Canada will continue to expand its eTA program to include more countries. According to IRCC, the government is committed to making it easier for people to travel to Canada, and the eTA program is an important part of this effort. It is also possible that Canada will introduce new policies or programs to promote tourism and economic growth, such as increased funding for tourism marketing or new initiatives to support international students.

How Ikovia Can Help

Ikovia can help you navigate the IRCC announcement 2026 and understand how it affects your specific situation. If you have questions about the eTA program or the application process, you can Ask Ikovia to get personalized guidance. Get personalized alerts when news like this affects your specific profile. Start free at Ikovia.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information is based on official IRCC announcements and may change. Always verify current requirements at canada.ca or consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).