I think back on my walk to Santiago de Compostela with a lot of emotion and gratitude. It was one of the most beautiful and enriching adventures of my life, full of moments of joy, doubt and wonder. One of the key things in that experience was the credential, the document every pilgrim needs to show they walked the Camino. In this article I’ll share how I used mine, along with some practical information on how to get one and how to use it.
What is the credential (or credencial)?
The credential is a pilgrim passport: a document that shows who you are and that you intend to walk the Camino de Santiago. It’s issued by the association of the Friends of the Way of St James, and it has to be stamped at every stage of the journey to prove you really covered the distance required to earn the Compostela. The Compostela is a certificate given to people who have walked at least the last 100 kilometres (62 miles) on foot or on horseback, or the last 200 kilometres (124 miles) by bike. In a way, it’s a real passport for the pilgrims who have completed the journey.
My arrival in 2023:
Why is the credential important?
The credential is a crucial part of your journey on the Camino. It lets you prove that you really did walk the route, and it’s what gets you your Compostela. It’s also a way of collecting memories: every stamp in it stands for one stage of your trip and for the people who helped you along the way. The credential is a personal, one-of-a-kind document that reflects your journey and your experience.
Getting a free Camino credential
To get a free Camino credential, you need to contact the association of the Friends of the Way of St James. The association exists in many countries, so it’s easy to find a branch close to home. You simply go to their website and fill in the request form. You can also ask for a credential when you set off on the Camino, at one of the pilgrim reception offices along the route.
Ordering a Camino credential
If you’d like to order a credential before you leave, you can do it online on the website of the association of the Friends of the Way of St James. It will be sent to you by post, so you’ll have it in hand before you start your journey. This option can be handy if you’d rather not lose time looking for a pilgrim reception office once you’re there.
You can also find out everything about the famous scallop shell of the Camino de Santiago.