The credencial
The credencial is your pilgrim passport. You collect stamps (sellos) in it from albergues, churches, cafés and town halls. It is required to sleep in pilgrim albergues and to claim the Compostela. Only the Cathedral's official credencial, or one from an organisation it authorises, is accepted. In the US you can get one from American Pilgrims on the Camino; in Santiago, from the Pilgrim Office.
The Compostela: official requirements
The Pilgrim's Reception Office states (official page, checked Oct 15, 2026): - On foot or horseback: at least 100 continuous km on the same recognised route, and the final stage must be the one that leads into Santiago's Cathedral. - By bicycle: at least 200 km under the same conditions. - Started outside Spain on a recognised route: at least 70 km in Spain. - Stamps: at least two stamps per day over the qualifying distance (Pilgrim Office FAQ). If you walk in sections, stamp at the start and end of each stage with the date. - It is given to those who walk for religious or spiritual reasons. A separate Certificate of Distance is available for a small fee.
Safe starting points: Sarria (Francés), Tui (Portugués), Ferrol (Inglés), or further back.
Pilgrim Office
Rúa Carretas 33, Santiago de Compostela · +34 981 568 846 · oficinadelperegrino@catedraldesantiago.es
Sources
Last verified: October 15, 2026. Prices, hours and rules change: confirm with the official source before you go.