In short
The credencial (pilgrim’s passport) is an official document in which you collect stamps along the way to prove that you are completing the Camino on foot, by bicycle, on horseback, or (partly) by sea on a sailing boat. You need it to access certain types of albergues and to receive the Compostela certificate in Santiago.
During the final 100 km, you must collect at least two stamps per day (200 km for cyclists).
What is the credencial?
- Official pilgrim’s passport
- Proof of the route you have completed
- Required to obtain the Compostela
- Determines access to donativo and municipal albergues
Where can you obtain the Pilgrim’s Passport?
- Catholic churches and pilgrim organisations
- Official starting points (including SJPdP, Porto, Oviedo, Irún)
- Some albergues / refugios along the route
- Caminocomfort.com (NL)
How does stamping work?
- Ask for a stamp at your accommodation
- Collect stamps along the way wherever possible (bars, restaurants, churches, monasteries, shops, donativo stalls)
- Minimum of 1 stamp per day, 2 stamps per day in the final 100 km (200 km for cyclists)
- Keep your credencial dry → use a waterproof pouch
- Present your Pilgrim’s Passport upon arrival in Santiago at the Pilgrim Office
Rules for obtaining the Compostela
- You must walk or ride on horseback at least 100 km, or cycle 200 km (or sail 100 nautical miles).
- Final 100 km → 2 stamps per day required for walkers and riders
- Final 200 km → 2 stamps per day required for cyclists
- The regulations regarding the final 100 km were adjusted in 2025. In short, the most important changes are:
- You may start outside Spain, provided you walk at least 70 km within Spain
- You may skip parts of the route, as long as you walk the final stage of approximately 20 km into Santiago
- The credencial must bear your name
- You may have an additional name added to the Compostela if you are walking on behalf of someone who cannot (or no longer can) walk themselves. This can be requested at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago by mentioning the term “Vicarei Pro” (“in place of”)
What does a credencial look like?
- Usually an accordion-folded booklet
- Small boxes for date and stamp
- Cover typically made of light cardboard
- Sometimes illustrated versions
- Size and design vary by issuing organisation
Common mistakes
- Too few stamps, especially in the final 100 km
- Losing your credencial (write your phone number inside it)
- Illegible stamps or missing dates
Frequently asked questions
Is every Pilgrim’s Passport valid?
No. Valid pilgrim passports are either issued by the Cathedral of Santiago (such as those offered by Camino Comfort) or by officially recognised organisations worldwide, such as the Dutch St. James Society, which provides a free credencial to new members.
Are stamps free?
Yes, in principle. However, stamps are often offered at places where a small contribution is implicitly expected, such as donativo stalls or cafés. The idea is simple: you are recording a stamp from a place you visited, where you enjoyed the surroundings or received something like fruit or water. Courtesy suggests leaving a small donation in return. Your stamp then becomes a meaningful souvenir of that moment.
What if I have too few stamps?
It is not the end of the world, but you may encounter a strict volunteer at the Pilgrim Office who may question the issue of your Compostela if the required number of stamps in the final 100 km is missing.
How many credencials do I need?
In most cases, one pilgrim passport is sufficient, unless you are walking a route that lasts several months.
What if my credencial is full?
Before it is completely full, it is wise to look for a new one. You can simply continue stamping in a new credencial.
Can I use an old credencial?
Yes, as long as there is enough space left. A credencial has no expiration date. However, it is common practice to start a new one if your previous passport already contains a completed Camino with an issued Compostela and the official stamp from the Pilgrim Office in Santiago.
How do I obtain the Compostela?
Scan the QR code in your credencial to pre-register your details. You can do this once you arrive in Santiago or in the days before.
This saves significant time and shortens the waiting period at the Pilgrim Office.
After registering, you will receive a registration number, which you must write in your credencial.
Once in Santiago and ready to collect your Compostela:
Take a ticket at the Pilgrim Office (address: Rúa das Carretas 33, Santiago de Compostela). This places you in a virtual queue, preventing long physical lines.
Monitor your position by scanning the QR code on your ticket. When the waiting time drops below ~30 minutes, you will be notified to join the short physical queue
The volunteer at the counter will retrieve your details using your registration number and issue your Compostela quickly.Is the credencial mandatory?
No. Nothing is mandatory. You can walk the Camino without a pilgrim passport and without receiving the Compostela. However, without a credencial you generally cannot stay in donativo or municipal albergues.
What about luggage transport?
Using a luggage transport service does not affect the validity of your credencial or your eligibility for the Compostela, as long as you meet the requirements.
That said, some municipal or donativo albergues no longer accept pilgrims who walk without a clear reason while having their luggage transported. Experience shows that large suitcases are particularly likely to be refused.What if I skip a day?
Taking a rest day is not a problem at all. The body occasionally needs rest, and it can even be advisable. To maintain a clear timeline, you may choose to stamp and date your credencial on your departure day.
Is digital stamping possible?
There was a brief experiment using an app, but it never gained traction. Our expert advice: no, digital stamping is not (yet) possible.
Do I need to show it at albergues?
Yes, that is advisable in order to receive a stamp. In some albergues, showing your credencial is mandatory for admission.
Does the credencial give discounts?
Albergues that require a credencial usually offer lower rates. In addition, many churches, cathedrals, and museums offer discounts upon presentation of your credencial.
For example, reduced ticket prices apply to various guided tours and exhibitions at the Cathedral of Santiago.Can I stamp multiple routes in one credencial?
Yes, that is generally allowed. There is no rule prohibiting this. It is helpful to leave one blank box between completed routes to keep them clearly separated.
Do I need to show it at the cathedral?
No. Only at the Pilgrim Office.
However, if you purchased an online ticket with a pilgrim discount for a guided tour or exhibition, you must show your credencial at the ticket desk (left door of the main cathedral staircase).
