Canada relaxes travel requirements for Indonesian citizens

The Canadian government has begun relaxing travel requirements for eligible Indonesian citizens by allowing the use of electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) as a replacement for visas for air travel and transit to Canada from 26 May 2026. According to the official Canadian government website monitored in Jakarta on Tuesday, the policy applies to Indonesian citizens who have held a temporary Canadian visa (TRV) within the past 10 years or currently possess a valid US non-immigrant visa. ‘Those who already hold a valid TRV may continue to use it for travel to Canada,’ the Canadian government stated, also directing travellers to apply for eTA via the official government website. The eTA is an application system used by Canadian authorities to screen air passengers before they enter the country. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Lena Metlege Diab said Canada aims to attract top global talent, strengthen international partnerships, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. ‘Changes to visa requirements for eligible travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia form part of the government’s broader effort to deepen Canada’s engagement across the Indo-Pacific, support trade and investment, and facilitate connections, business, and contributions to Canada’s long-term economic growth,’ she added. The Canadian government believes the changes will strengthen bilateral ties with Indonesia without compromising border safety and security. Indonesia is ranked as Canada’s third-largest trading partner in Southeast Asia in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching US$6.75 billion, approximately Rp120 trillion. In the same period, Canadian exports to Indonesia reached US$3 billion, around Rp53.3 trillion. This makes Indonesia Canada’s second-largest export market in Southeast Asia and the 17th largest globally. In addition to growing trade relations, Canada received approximately 18,300 visitors from Indonesia throughout 2025.