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There are two modern international airports within reasonable driving distance from Todos Santos.
One is in the state capital of La Paz (LAP) and it is about a 1 hour drive from Todos Santos. Both Mexican and U.S. airline carriers service this airport, although the bulk of the U.S. carriers use La Paz sparingly except during the high tourist season (November through March). Flights from the U.S. west coast and Phoenix arrive in La Paz year round. This airport is small and it has been recently remodeled. Rental cars are available from all the major firms at the airport. Buses also run regularly from the airport to downtown La Paz and from there to Todos Santos.
The second airport is located just outside of San Jose del Cabo (SJD) and is often called "Los Cabos" airport. This airport has undergone extensive expansion and renovation and accepts flights from all major carriers, including Mexicana, Continental, Frontier, United, American, Alaska, Delta, and US Airways. Click on any of the carriers above to be taken directly to their website.
Required Documents
U.S. citizens – in order to enter Mexico, starting in January 2007, you will need a passport. Prior to January, you need a photo ID, such as a driver’s license, birth certificate or a passport. A birth certificate must include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records. Hospital certificates are not acceptable.
You will also need a tourist card, which is a two-part document that is your “permission” from the Mexican government to visit Mexico. It is available free of charge. The airlines always have an ample supply upon check-in. You can also obtain this form in Mexican Immigration upon arrival.
Canadian citizens – Canadian versions of the above documents are accepted; notarized affidavits must be executed in Canada. The “Canadian Landed Immigrant” card is accepted as well.
Mexican citizens – any of the following is accepted: a passport, which may be expired, a birth certificate (Acta de Nacimiento), a consular registration form (Matricula Consular), a military service card (Cartilla Militar) or a voter’s registration card (cedula de Empadronamiento).
Visitors coming from other countries other than the U.S., Canada or Mexico will need a valid passport from their country. In addition they may need a visa to enter Mexico. Contact the Mexican Consulate for more information.
Minors traveling in Mexico
There are very strict regulations for minors traveling into Mexico. Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents such as an original notarized letter signed by both parents. A photo ID is not required until the age of 18. Minors traveling with either legal parents or guardians need nothing else. Minors traveling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians must obtain an original notarized letter of permission signed by both parents. Minors traveling with only one parent must have notarized written permission from the other parent. In the case of deceased or divorced parents the minor must have legal proof such as a death certificate in order for just one signature on the letter.
Customs information
When entering Mexico your first stop will be at the Mexican Immigration where proof of citizenship is inspected, and tourist cards are validated. Be sure to hold on tight to your tourist card! Your next stop is at customs. Mexico has instituted a European-style customs inspection system, with a twist. Here’s the way it works:
Visitors complete a customs declaration form and choose to either declare or not declare that they are importing items beyond their allowance. Those declaring items have their belongings searched, and duty is collected. Those not declaring items are asked to push a button on a street traffic light mounted on a post inside customs area. A green light allows you to pass without inspection. A red light will signal an inspection. In the event that items are found that were not declared, heavy fines and penalties apply.
You are allowed to bring in any of the following up to value of $300 U.S. dollars traveling by air:
- Personal items, i.e. clothing, footwear, toiletries, all in reasonable quantities according to trip duration.
- Books and magazines.
- Medicine for personal use, with medical prescription in the case of psychotropic substances.
- Used or second-hand sporting equipment.
- One portable TV set, one portable typewriter, one VCR, one laptop style computer, one portable printer.
- Up to 20 CD’s and five DVD’s.
- A musical instrument.
- Fishing equipment and two tennis rackets.
- Three liters of alcohol or wine, if carrier is over 18 years old.
One video camera and one regular camera and up to 12 rolls of film, or up to 12 video cassettes. |
