The Pilgrim Credential and Compostela Certificate: 2026 Guide

The pilgrim credential and the Compostela

Two documents define the Camino de Santiago experience: the pilgrim credential (credencial del peregrino), which you carry and stamp along the way, and the Compostela, the certificate you receive in Santiago when you finish. Understanding how they work will help you plan your journey properly.

What is the pilgrim credential?

The credential is a folding document with spaces for stamps (sellos). It serves as your pilgrim passport, proving that you walked (or cycled) the Camino. You collect stamps at hostels, churches, bars, town halls and other waypoints along the route.

How to get your credential

You can obtain a credential in several ways:

• Before departure: From your local Confraternity of Saint James or Friends of the Camino association. Many have websites where you can order one by post.
• At the starting point: Pilgrim offices in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Sarria, or any major starting town issue credentials.
• On the Camino: Many hostels and churches can provide one if you start walking without one, though it is better to get it at the start.
• Online: The Cathedral of Santiago pilgrim office website allows advance ordering.

The credential costs between 2 and 5 euros depending on where you obtain it.

Stamp requirements

To qualify for the Compostela, you need a minimum number of stamps:

• Walking or horseback: At least one stamp per day if walking more than 100 km. In the last 100 km (from Sarria), you need two stamps per day. See our detailed guide to the last 100 km for stage-by-stage planning.
• Cycling: At least two stamps per day over the last 200 km.

Stamps can come from hostels, churches, restaurants, municipal offices, pharmacies and many other locations. Most establishments along the Camino have their own stamp and are happy to mark your credential.

The two-stamp rule in the last 100 km

Because many pilgrims start in Sarria to walk the minimum 100 km, the Cathedral requires extra proof for this section. Get your first stamp at your accommodation and a second at a bar, church or town hall during the day. This is easy — stamp opportunities appear every few kilometres.

At Casa Andaina in Palas de Rei we have our own stamp for your credential, and we are happy to help you plan your stamp stops for the stages ahead.

What is the Compostela?

The Compostela is a certificate in Latin issued by the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to pilgrims who complete the Camino for religious or spiritual reasons (including "in a spirit of search"). It has been issued since the Middle Ages and is one of the oldest continuously awarded certificates in the world.

Requirements to receive the Compostela

• Walk at least the last 100 km or cycle the last 200 km
• Carry a properly stamped credential covering the required distance
• Declare that your motivation is religious, spiritual or "in a spirit of search"

Collecting the Compostela in Santiago

The Pilgrim Reception Office (Oficina del Peregrino) is located in Rúa Carretas 33, near the Cathedral. The process:

• Queue: In peak season (July-August) expect 1 to 3 hours. Arrive early in the morning or after 16:00 for shorter waits.

• Present your credential: Staff will check your stamps and verify the distance covered.

• State your motivation: You will be asked whether your pilgrimage was religious, spiritual or cultural.

• Receive the Compostela: Your name is written in Latin on the certificate. It is free of charge.

The Distance Certificate

If your motivation is purely cultural or sporting rather than spiritual, you can request the Certificate of Distance (Certificado de Distancia) instead. It confirms the kilometres you walked but is not the traditional Compostela.

Tips for your credential

• Protect it from rain: Use a plastic sleeve or ziplock bag. A soaked, illegible credential can cause problems in Santiago.

• Stamp consistently: Do not leave gaps of several days without stamps — it raises questions.

• Keep it as a souvenir: The credential becomes a wonderful travel diary full of memories from each stop along the way.

The Compostela is not just a piece of paper. For many pilgrims it represents weeks of effort, personal growth and an achievement they will remember for the rest of their lives.