Passport & Visa

Citizens of some countries require a visitor visa to enter Canada, while travellers from visa-exempt countries, including most EU member states, Australia, and New Zealand, do not. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when arriving by air, a requirement in place since 2016. An eTA is not needed if entering Canada by land or sea. Applications are completed online, and travellers from certain countries may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the visa process. As entry requirements can change, it’s advisable to check with a Canadian embassy, consulate, or the official government website before travelling.

Information

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is located approximately 20–21 km west of downtown Montreal, with travel times usually ranging from 20 to 40 minutes by road, depending on traffic. It is the city’s main international gateway and handles the vast majority of long-haul and international flights. Travellers have several convenient options to reach the city centre. The STM 747 Express bus operates 24 hours a day, connecting the airport with downtown Montreal and key metro stations in about 40–60 minutes; the fare includes unlimited access to the city’s public transport network for the duration of the pass. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area and operate on a fixed fare to downtown, while ride-sharing services such as Uber have designated pick-up zones at the terminal.

Public Transportation

Montreal has a well-developed public transport system that’s particularly handy for visitors. The STM (Société de transport de Montréal) operates the subway and bus networks, covering the city and most surrounding neighbourhoods. Frequent service and clearly marked routes make it a practical way to reach museums, markets, parks, and other attractions. For payment, visitors can use the OPUS card, a rechargeable smart card accepted on buses, the subway, and some regional trains. It can be loaded with single trips, multi-day passes, or unlimited day passes, with 24-hour or three-day options being particularly convenient for short stays. Tickets and single-use cards are also available, though OPUS offers the most flexibility. While public transport is efficient, Montreal is also a highly walkable city, particularly in the downtown core, Old Montreal, and Plateau Mont-Royal. Cycling is also popular, with dedicated lanes and the BIXI bike-share program. For up-to-date info on timetables, fares, and route maps, check out the STM's official website.

Taxi

Taxis are widely available in Montreal and can be flagged down on the street, found at designated taxi stands, or booked by phone or app. Téo Taxi is a well-known company operating hybrid and 100% electric vehicles, while local apps like Ici Taxi and IMOOVE, as well as Uber, make requesting a ride quick and straightforward.

Post Office

Montreal’s post offices are part of Canada Post, the national postal service that handles mail and package delivery, PO boxes, stamps, parcel shipping, and other postal services across Canada. Most Canada Post branches in Montreal operate Monday to Friday, roughly 9am–5pm/6pm. Services include sending and receiving mail and parcels within Canada and internationally, purchasing stamps and postal supplies, renting PO boxes, and basic money‑transfer services.