The Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Vancouver confirmed by email on August 19, 2026, that a Canadian Refugee Travel Document (RTD) is not treated the same as an ordinary Canadian passport for Indonesian visa purposes. Canadian RTD holders are subject to specific immigration requirements and must obtain a visa before travelling to Indonesia.

The visa application must be submitted through a guarantor/sponsor based in Indonesia, who submits the application on behalf of the RTD holder through Indonesian Immigration authorities. The RTD holder cannot simply apply directly through the Consulate General in the same way as a Canadian passport holder.

Holding a Canadian Permanent Resident (PR) Card does not remove the visa or guarantor requirements. The Consulate also noted that a Notice of Decision does not substitute for the required travel document or remove the visa requirement.

Canadian RTD holders planning to travel to Indonesia should:

- Identify a guarantor/sponsor in Indonesia who can assist with the visa application.
- Have the guarantor submit the application through Indonesian Immigration authorities.
- Ensure the visa is properly approved and issued before making travel arrangements.
- Confirm their individual circumstances with Indonesian Immigration, as the final decision regarding visa issuance and admission rests with Indonesia's Directorate General of Immigration.

Confirmation via email from the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Vancouver, Consular Services.