Canada's eTA facility for Indonesians to strengthen bilateral ties: Ambassador
Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Jess Dutton has stated that the electronic travel authorization (eTA) policy for Indonesian nationals is part of Canada’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with Indonesia.
“If Indonesian citizens wish to visit family members in Canada, establish a business, or simply travel as tourists, we want to make it as easy as possible for them. It is in this spirit that we decided to implement this facility starting last month,” Dutton said during a media briefing in Jakarta on Wednesday (10/6).
He revealed that the facility came into effect on 26 May 2026 and is underpinned by the Canadian government’s commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
According to Dutton, the policy also reflects Canada’s efforts to deepen its engagement with the Indo-Pacific region, including Indonesia.
“Indonesian citizens who have held a Canadian temporary resident visa within the past 10 years or who currently hold a United States non-immigrant visa are eligible to utilise it,” he said regarding the requirements for using the eTA for Indonesians.
Consequently, eligible Indonesian nationals do not need to apply for a new visitor visa and only need to apply for an eTA prior to air travel to Canada.
Canadian authorities recorded that at least 18,000 Indonesians visited Canada in 2025.
“We hope to welcome even more Indonesians in the future, so that the people-to-people connections between our countries, which underpin Indonesia-Canada relations, can become even stronger,” he stated.
In addition to facilitating the eTA for Indonesian visitors, Canada is also working to strengthen cooperation with Indonesia through the implementation of the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (ICA-CEPA).
Dutton disclosed that the Canadian Parliament had completed the ratification process for the ICA-CEPA in May 2026. Following the completion of ratification by Canada, the Canadian government is now awaiting the completion of the same process in Indonesia.
He expressed hope that the agreement could come into force by the end of this year so that both countries can optimise their trade and investment potential.
“As ICA-CEPA is implemented, I hope it will become increasingly easier for our two countries to do business together for shared prosperity,” Dutton concluded.