The Pilgrim's Credencial and the Compostela

The pilgrim's credencial is essentially a kind of passport that must be stamped at each stage of the route. It is one of the most significant hallmarks of the Camino de Santiago, as it certifies you as a pilgrim and grants access to the albergues.

It dates back to the Middle Ages, when all pilgrims were granted safe passage allowing them to travel freely along the Camino de Santiago, avoiding certain restrictions and hurdles.

The current credencial can be obtained from the PIlgrim Reception Office or other organizations authorized to issue them, such as the many Friends of the Camino de Santiago Associations throughout the world, albergues, parishes, and confraternities of St. James the Apostle.

Coinciding with the start of the Compostela 2021 Holy Year, the Cathedral of Santiago launched a digital credencial, which can be managed through an app. As with the traditional credencial, pilgrims must obtain at least two stamps per day proving their journey to Santiago, but in this case, by scanning QR codes. 

It needs to be stamped at least twice a day for the last 60 miles or 100 km (for pilgrims walking or going on horseback) or for the last 120 milesor 200 km (for cyclists) in order to obtain the Compostela and certify the pilgrimage. 

The Pilgrim's Office has flagged a specific site on each Camino marking out the minimum required distance. For the Camino Francés, the starting point is Sarria o Barbadelo, for walking or going on horseback, and Ponferrada if cycling.

The Compostela is the document certifying that you have completed the pilgrimage and visited the tomb of St. James the Apostle for religious or spiritual reasons. 

The need to certify the pilgrimage arose in the 9th and 10th centuries, when traveling the Camino de Santiago to visit the apostle's tomb became institutionalized. At first, insignia, such as the scallop shell, were used.

However, as these were easy to fake, the church was required to replace them in the 13th century with so-called cartas probatorias, or evidentiary letters, the predecessor of today's Compostela. 

Since March 2014, the Pilgrim's Office has granted pilgrims who request a document stating the date and point of departure of their pilgrimage, the chosen route, and number of miles covered.

This is the certification for pilgrims deciding to follow the route out to Fisterra or Muxía. For this, keep stamping your pilgrim passport (if there's any space left!) or ask for a new one.