Where to get the credential
The pilgrim's credential or also known as the pilgrim's passport, is a necessary document for those who wish to make the Camino de Santiago and obtain the Compostela at the end of it, here we will tell you how to get the credential. This credential will have to be stamped along the way, in places like restaurants, bars, churches, hostels ... with at least two stamps per day. Although, in my experience, there is always a lack of space because pilgrims usually stamp their credentials wherever they stop! This document will serve as proof of the route taken.
In Viajeros Canallas you will pick up your Credencial on the first day of your trip at the starting point. However, the credential can be bought in different places, taking into account that only those authorised by the Cathedral of Santiago will be accepted. Here we tell you where you can get it:
- Guilds of the St. James the Apostle
Some cities such as A Coruña, Alicante, León or Madrid have Cofradías that provide pilgrims with this pilgrim's passport. Camino de Santiago.
- Authorised associations in Spain
The credentials authorised by the S.A.M.M.I. Cathedral of Santiago are distributed in different Autonomous Communities.
Here is the link where you can check if you have this service in your city to buy the credential: https://oficinadelperegrino.com/preparacion/asociaciones-espanolas/
- International Pilgrims' Welcome Centre
At the Pilgrim's Reception Office, at rúa das Carretas 33, Rúa das Carretas in Santiago de Compostelacan be obtained in person.
- Credential distributors outside Spain
There are also countries abroad where you can buy the credential; this is the case in Germany, Argentina, Austria, Belgium or the United States, among many others.
- Associations of friends of the Camino de Santiago
They are spread all over the world, and all you need to do is to present an identification document. In several countries there are these associations that offer the credential to their members. They are usually linked to the Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago.
- Other places
In many hostels and parishes it is also possible to buy the credential. In addition, the Correos online shop also offers this service.
The price of the Camino de Santiago credential is symbolic, ranging from 50 cents to 2 euros. In many cases it is free of charge or provided in exchange for a donation to carry out protection and conservation activities. improvement of the Camino de Santiago.
What is the pilgrim's credential like?
This document consists of sixteen pages that open like an accordion; the first pages are a letter of introduction in which you must put your personal data and on the second page there are some explanatory instructions with relevant information to get the Compostela. On the following pages there are blank boxes that the pilgrim must fill in with the stamps that certify their passage through the different places on the Camino de Santiago.
If you are going to carry out the French Way from Sarria or the Portuguese Way of Saint James During the summer months we recommend that you order it in advance at any of the points of sale mentioned above, as these are the busiest months on the Camino.
How to get the Compostela after finishing the Camino
In order to receive the Compostela, the stamps on the credential must show the date on which it was stamped in order to prove that you have walked at least the last 100 km to Santiago de Compostela. When you arrive in Santiago, you must go to the Pilgrim's Office and present your credential with the corresponding stamps. In busy periods you will have to wait a little longer but then, once you fill in a form and they verify your credential, you will receive your Compostela, a certificate written in Latin that certifies your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
Conclusions
The pilgrim's credential is not just a document, but a symbol full of meaning and tradition that connects the pilgrims to their own country. walkers on the Camino de Santiago with a community of adventurers. Complete the Camino de Santiago not only is not a personal achievement, but a transformative experience that leaves an indelible mark.
