Indonesian passport holders who meet specific requirements can now travel to Canada using an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), following a policy change announced by the Canadian government.
The new measure allows eligible Indonesian citizens to apply online for entry to Canada without undergoing biometric registration. The application process is fully digital and costs CA$7, or approximately Rp90,000.
According to a press release from the Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa received by detikcom on 29 May 2026, the policy is expected to support closer cooperation between Indonesia and Canada across several sectors.
Eligibility Requirements for Indonesian Citizens
To qualify for an eTA, Indonesian passport holders must either have held a Canadian visa within the previous 10 years or currently possess a valid United States non-immigrant visa.
Eligible travellers must still submit an online eTA application before boarding their flight to Canada. The authorisation is generally approved within minutes, although processing times may vary.
The eTA only applies to air travel. Travellers entering Canada by land or sea are still required to obtain a visa under existing regulations.
Canadian authorities also emphasised that the eTA is intended for short-term visits. It cannot be used for long-term migration purposes, including study or employment in Canada.
Although the eTA simplifies the boarding process at departure airports, travellers will continue to undergo screening procedures upon arrival in Canada.
Policy Expected to Support Bilateral Cooperation
The Indonesian Embassy in Ottawa said the implementation of the eTA is expected to strengthen cooperation between Indonesia and Canada in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
The embassy also noted that the policy could facilitate interaction between business communities in both countries following the final ratification and implementation of the Indonesia-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
In addition, the eTA arrangement is viewed as supporting Indonesia’s standing in Canada regarding security and immigration matters. The embassy stated that the measure could contribute to stronger bilateral relations as well as broader engagement between Canada and countries in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions.
The eTA programme has traditionally been available to countries that maintain close partnerships with Canada, including several European nations.
Officials Welcome the New Arrangement
Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, informed Indonesian Ambassador to Canada Muhsin Syihab about the policy on 22 May.
Ambassador Muhsin welcomed the decision and expressed appreciation to the Canadian government.
“The implementation of the eTA also embodies the ease of travel cooperation discussed during President Prabowo’s visit to Canada in September 2025,” he said.
Muhsin also said he hoped the policy would have a positive impact on cooperation between Indonesia and Canada across various sectors.
The new arrangement marks a further step in efforts by both countries to facilitate travel and strengthen bilateral engagement while maintaining existing immigration and border security procedures.
