Malaysia launches $7 CAD eTA for air travelers with US or Canadian visas

Malaysia joins Canada's eTA program for eligible air travelers

Canada extended its Electronic Travel Authorization program to qualifying Malaysian citizens starting May 26 at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced the day before in Ottawa. The change lets eligible Malaysians fly to or transit through Canada with a $7 CAD eTA instead of a full Temporary Resident Visa.

The expansion is part of Canada's Indo-Pacific push and mirrors a parallel change for Indonesian citizens. Land and sea entries still require a visitor visa.

Who qualifies under the new rules

Eligibility hinges on prior travel credentials. Malaysian passport holders can apply for an eTA only if they:

• Are traveling to or transiting through Canada by air
• Have held a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa within the last 10 years or - Currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa

Malaysians without either credential still need a TRV, even when flying. The eTA covers temporary stays of up to six months and doesn't authorize work for Canadian employers or study without the appropriate permit.

Tourists, business visitors and remote workers performing duties for non-Canadian clients fall within visitor rules. Frequent flyers with existing U.S. visas gain the clearest benefit, skipping the longer TRV process for short trips.

Applying for the eTA

The application runs through the Government of Canada's official portal and can't be saved mid-form. Applicants need a valid Malaysian passport, an email address and a credit or debit card.

Most decisions arrive within minutes by email, though IRCC may request additional documents within 72 hours in some cases. Approved eTAs link electronically to the passport and stay valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

A few things to keep in mind:

• The eTA covers air entry only. Driving in from the U.S. or arriving by ferry still triggers a visa requirement.
• Approval doesn't guarantee entry. Border officers conduct admissibility checks on arrival.
• Holders of a current valid TRV can keep using it instead of applying for an eTA.

Read our full Malaysia guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates for related Indo-Pacific changes.