Pilgrim passport

In short: Not for walking the route itself. Without one, though, you won't get a bed in many albergues or a Compostela in Santiago.

The pilgrim passport, called the credencial in Spanish, works like a passport for pilgrims. You take it with you on the way and collect stamps in it. It isn't compulsory, but it has a number of advantages, and for most pilgrims it is simply part of the journey.

What are the benefits of a pilgrim passport?

Access to pilgrim hostels

The passport shows that you are travelling on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Many pilgrim hostels only accept guests with a credencial. This applies especially in Spain, France, Switzerland and Germany. Outside these countries you should ask in advance.

A souvenir of the journey

The stamps show the date and place, so over time the passport becomes a small diary. Years later you can show it to your grandchildren and still see exactly where you were on which day.

The Compostela in Santiago

In Santiago you present the passport at the Pilgrim's Office and receive the Compostela, the traditional certificate of your pilgrimage. Without a passport there is no certificate. There are clear rules for the document.

Where can you get stamps?

You can get stamps at many places along the way:

• Pilgrim hostels
• Churches, monasteries and parish offices
• Tourist offices
• Pilgrimage sites
• Bars and cafés on the route

Collect at least one stamp a day. On the last 100 kilometres before Santiago, two a day are required.

How to apply for a pilgrim passport

In Germany the St James societies issue the pilgrim passport, in writing or online. Usually you only pay a small fee or donation. Allow a few weeks, especially before the main season.