This page contains important information for students and faculty who have signed up for a program and are going to Todos Santos.
Passport: If you haven’t already applied for a passport, you should do so immediately. You can begin this process by making an appointment with the Office of International Programs Passport Office. Passport applications can take up to 12-18 weeks to process. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the end date of your program.
Tourist visa: A visa is your official permission to enter a specific country and is granted by that country’s government. U.S. citizens staying less than 180 days in Mexico are NOT required to obtain a visa in advance.
Call your credit card company and/or bank to alert them of travel to Mexico.
Many Todos Santos businesses operate as cash only, so bring cash to have on hand for emergencies. The national currency is the peso, and it is recommended to use pesos during your stay. There is an ATM machine at the airport, and two in Todos Santos.
Contact your cell phone company to arrange for international coverage if desired.
WhatsApp offers free texting when connected to wifi. You can download the app prior to travel, and ask your friends, colleagues, and family to do the same.
Do not wear expensive jewelry or pack expensive items.
- Casual and business casual attire such as the following:
- Work jeans, khakis or long shorts
- Dress and casual shirts (polo or button up)
- Skirt or dress
- Shoes (close-toed for meetings, sneakers or hiking shoes, sandals or flip flops)
- Water bottle
- Reusable food storage container
- Shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and other personal items
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Swim suit
- Beach towel
- Insect repellent
- Light jacket (particularly important November-May)
- Small bag, purse, or backpack
- Watch
- Alarm clock
- Phone charger (no converter needed)
- Prescription medication in original bottles
- Over-the-counter medications and remedies, such as:
- Pepto Bismol, Immodium, etc.
- Nuun or other electrolyte tablets
- Ibuprofen
- Tums or other antacids
- antibiotic ointment
- bandaids
- other items you typically use
- Mask (in the event of a mask mandate, there is not a reliable place to purchase masks in Todos Santos)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Pajamas, robe, and shower shoes as desired for shared lodging
- Hand wipes
- Camera
- Hairdryer, if desired
- Headlamp
- Snacks, particularly for those with food requirements
- Laundry bag
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers up-to-date information on vaccinations and immunizations that you will need for travel. Consult with your primary care physician to determine what is right for you.
Routine immunizations
- Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT)
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- Polio
- Varicella (chicken pox)
Recommended additional immunizations
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza
- Typhoid
Mosquito borne-diseases
Participants should be vigilant in taking precautions against insects and mosquito bites.
- Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants
- Use insect repellents on skin, clothing, bedding
- Products containing DEET may be used on skin in concentrations up to 30 percent and on clothing in higher concentrations
Individuals planning to travel to other parts of Mexico should consult the CDC website for further considerations about mosquito-borne diseases.
Traveler’s diarrhea
Many travelers experience moderate to severe diarrhea as they adjust to differences in food. An antibiotic can be prescribed by your doctor for self-treatment of diarrhea.
When flying to Todos Santos from the United States, the primary airport is San Jose del Cabo (SJD), located 75-minutes from Todos Santos. Most major U.S. carriers fly into SJD.
When flying from Mexico or Latin America, flights are also available into La Paz (LAP), which is approximately an hour from Todos Santos.
On your flight, you will receive customs forms.
The customs form asks you to declare if you are carrying certain items in your luggage. Be sure to declare any restricted items as listed on the form, as luggage may be opened and checked. Fresh fruits and vegetables, among other items, are not permitted.
When your flight arrives, you will get off the plane and either ride a bus or walk to the terminal where you will arrive at the immigration line. Immigration officials may ask about the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay in the country. Explain that you are in Mexico for educational purposes. The official will stamp your passport.
After immigration, you will walk into another room to retrieve your checked luggage. With bags in hand, proceed to the next room, which is customs.
Give the officer your customs form and press a button. If it lights up green, walk through. If it lights up red, your bags will need to go through the x-ray machine. Customs officers may also look through your bags. The red/green light system is random.
There are two sets of sliding doors from customs, both of which bring you to the same final destination. As you proceed through two rooms, there will be people trying to offer you a taxi or shuttle or hotel. Say “no, thank you/no, gracias” and keep walking. You will reach a final lobby where there are restrooms and ATM machines. The final set of sliding doors takes you outside. Outside you will see many people with signs, and this is the area where transportation providers are located. You can ask anyone here for help if you are looking for a particular vendor or for a CSU group.
Faculty members, program leaders, researchers, or staff persons who need specific equipment or supplies for activities at CSU Todos Santos are advised to consult this document for customs requirements and recommendations from CSU, CSURF, and CSURF Mexico AC.
Advanced planning of up to 4-6 months is recommended, depending on what you need to accomplish.
Eco Baja Tours group shuttles are available for approximately $35 (USD). Book online at ecobajatours.com.
Rental car agencies are available at the SJD airport, with rates varying from $80-100+/day.
CSU works with three pre-approved transportation services. Email in advance with flight information and the number of passengers to request quotes and reserve services. These companies also offer services for day trips in the region.
- Todos Santos Private Transportation Services: book online at tsprivatetransportation.com or email at contact@tsprivatetransportation.com
- Cabo Relaxo Transportation: email at info@caborelaxo.mx
- Omega Tours: email at info@omegatours.mx
If your transportation is not provided as a part of your program, make transportation reservations directly with the vendor in advance. You will pay the vendor directly. In some circumstances, and with preauthorization from CSU Todos Santos, you can request that the vendor invoice CSU Todos Santos for these services; applicable charges plus a 20% procurement fee will be added to your CSU Todos Santos invoice at the conclusion of your stay.
Follow signs to Todos Santos and use google maps to navigate to the CSU Todos Santos campus. Pass through the entrance to CSU and the Jazamango restaurant before arriving at the four buildings comprising CSU Todos Santos.
CSU Todos Santos
Ciruelos Entre Carretera Transpeninsular y Tamarindos
Todos Santos
Municipio de La Paz B.C.S 23300
Mexico
Phone number: (52) 612-145-0687