The Camino de Santiago is more than just a walk—it’s a pilgrimage with deep historical and spiritual significance. One of the most essential items for any pilgrim is the Credencial del Peregrino (Pilgrim’s Credential), a passport-like document used to record your journey with stamps (sellos) along the way.
Whether you’re walking the Portuguese Coastal Camino, the Camino Francés, or any other route, this guide will cover everything you need to know about obtaining, using, and completing your Camino Credential to receive the Compostela in Santiago de Compostela.
📜 What is the Camino Credential?
✔️ The Camino Credential is an official document that serves as proof that you are a pilgrim.
✔️ It allows you to stay in pilgrim-only accommodations along the Camino.
✔️ You collect stamps (sellos) from albergues, churches, cafés, and other landmarks to mark your journey.
✔️ You need it to receive the Compostela, the official certificate of completion in Santiago.
💡 Important: To qualify for the Compostela, you must walk at least 100 km (62 miles) or cycle at least 200 km (124 miles) before reaching Santiago and collect at least two stamps per day in the final 100 km.
📍 Where to Get Your Camino Credential
You can obtain your Camino Credential in multiple ways:
🇵🇹 In Portugal (Before You Start the Camino Coastal Route)
✔️ Sé Catedral do Porto – A popular place for pilgrims to start their journey.
✔️ Portuguese Camino Associations – Many organizations provide credentials for a small donation.
✔️ Albergues & Churches – Some hostels and churches along the route also issue credentials.
🇪🇸 In Spain
✔️ Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago de Compostela – If you start your journey in Spain, you can obtain your credential there.
✔️ Albergues & Municipal Offices – Many municipal albergues distribute them to pilgrims.
🌍 Online (Before Your Trip)
✔️ Confraternities of St. James – Many Camino organizations worldwide (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) can issue an official credential before you leave.
💡 Tip: Getting your credential before you arrive ensures you can start your pilgrimage smoothly!
🔖 How to Collect Stamps (Sellos) Along the Camino
Stamps (sellos) are a fun and meaningful part of the Camino experience. Each one represents a place you’ve visited, creating a unique travel diary of your pilgrimage.
📌 Where Can You Get Stamps?
✔️ Albergues & Hotels – Every pilgrim hostel provides stamps upon check-in.
✔️ Churches & Cathedrals – Many churches along the route have unique, ornate stamps.
✔️ Cafés & Restaurants – Some cafés and bars will stamp your credential if you stop for a meal.
✔️ Tourist Offices – Many cities and towns have official Camino stamps.
✔️ Pilgrim Landmarks – Some famous waypoints offer unique sellos (e.g., the Santa Maria Church in Oia, Galicia).
💡 Tip: During the last 100 km to Santiago, you must collect at least two stamps per day to receive the Compostela.
🏆 How to Receive Your Compostela in Santiago
Once you arrive in Santiago de Compostela, you can claim your Compostela certificate at the Pilgrim’s Office (Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino).
✔️ Requirements to Get the Compostela
✅ You must have walked at least 100 km (or cycled 200 km).
✅ Your Camino Credential must have at least two stamps per day for the last 100 km.
✅ You must state that you walked the Camino for a spiritual or cultural purpose.
📍 Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago: Where to Get Your Compostela
📍 Address: Rúa das Carretas, 33, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
🕒 Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (may vary depending on the season)
💰 Cost: Free (donations are welcome)
💡 Tip: The Pilgrim’s Office can get crowded, especially in peak season (July-September). Try to arrive early in the morning to avoid long wait times.
Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Documenting
Your Camino Credential is more than just a document—it’s a symbol of your journey. Every stamp tells a story, marking the places you’ve walked, the people you’ve met, and the challenges you’ve overcome.
✔️ Get your credential before you start to avoid delays.
✔️ Collect stamps from albergues, churches, cafés, and landmarks.
✔️ Ensure you have enough stamps to receive your Compostela in Santiago.
