All You Need to Know about Camino Pilgrim Stamps & Certificates

As you begin your Camino there will no doubt be many thoughts rushing through your mind. Have I packed too much? Or maybe not enough? Will I be able to do this?

Those first few steps are both exhilarating and scary at the same time and it can be easy for the emotions to take over, but you must start as you mean to go on.

Perhaps the most essential point here is making sure you have everything you need and apart from your clothes and boots, there’s nothing more important to somebody walking the Camino than their paperwork.

What is the Camino Paperwork?

A huge part of the fun of walking the Camino de Santiago is the unbridled sense of freedom and simplicity that comes with knowing you just have to follow the little yellow arrows for the foreseeable future. In our chaotic, stress-filled world, there’s something wonderfully cathartic about the Way of St James.

With that in mind, hearing that you need some paperwork might seem to go against the whole ethos, but don’t worry, the paperwork is minimal and actually adds a degree of fun along the way.

The Camino paperwork is essentially just the ‘Credencial del Peregrino’ (i.e. Camino Pilgrim Passport or Camino de Santiago Passport or Camino de Santiago stamp book) which is a foldable piece of card with plenty of space on it.

What is the Camino Pilgrim Passport?

The ‘Credencial’ is a series of the letters of safe passage that were issued to pilgrims in the Middle Ages. These letters were a sort of insurance for pilgrims, telling thieves and other would-be ‘bad guys’ to leave them in peace. 

The Official Credential for the Camino of Santiago includes personal information about each pilgrim, a space for the stamp from the entity that provided this “passport” and another one for the Cathedral of Santiago to be stamped upon completion of the itinerary.

Don’t underestimate the importance of this document, without it you will not be able to receive the Compostela –  the official document that certifies that the walkers have completed all their requirements of The Way.

Certificate La Compostela

Why Do I Need a Pilgrim’s Passport?

A pilgrim’s passport is important for two reasons:

1. Accommodation Access

The first is that many of the albergues and even some hotels require them to stay in as they show that you are a bonafide pilgrim who should be granted a bed for the night. 

This isn’t such an important factor for those doing the Camino with U Walk, as accommodation is booked beforehand, but try getting into a busy albergue in summer without a Camino pilgrim passport and you’ll see how important they are.

2. Proof for the Compostela

The second reason for the Camino passport is that they act as proof of your journey, and without one, you cannot receive your Compostela (certificate of completion) in Santiago – if you’re planning to get that far. 

It’s important to state that you must walk at least the final 100 km into Santiago to get a Compostela, and you cannot get one earlier if you’re not planning on going all the way to Santiago. We’ll be coming to more information on the Compostela shortly.

How do I Get a Pilgrim’s Passport?

Obtaining a Pilgrim’s Passport is simple, and it’s an exciting step in preparing for your Camino journey. Follow these steps to ensure you have your passport ready before you start walking:

1. Decide where to obtain your passport – Choose to collect your passport from pilgrim offices, churches, or authorised organisations at your starting point.
2. Check availability before departure – Research the locations and operating hours of offices offering Pilgrim Passports to avoid unnecessary delays on arrival.
3. Bring necessary documentation – Carry valid identification, such as a passport or national ID, to register for your Pilgrim’s Passport.
4. Fill out your details carefully – Include your name, contact information, and starting point in the passport for easy verification during your journey.
5. Confirm you have the official credential – Ensure your Pilgrim’s Passport is stamped with an official seal, confirming its validity for use on the Camino.

For U Walk participants, your Pilgrim Passport will be ready and waiting for you on arrival, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure.

What’s the Deal with the Camino Stamps?

To prove that you have actually walked how far you claim to have walked, you will need to fill out your Camino stamp book. There are very few fraudulent claims these days, and if anything, this is a much-loved practice of old. 

You will need to get one stamp per day along the Camino, which goes up to two each day in the final 100km. If you’re curious about what your days might look like while collecting these stamps, see a typical day on the Camino to get an inside look into the day-to-day of your upcoming journey!

Where to Get Camino Stamps

Don’t worry, Camino de Santiago stamps are everywhere and can be found in bars, restaurants, hotels, post offices, churches, museums, and even the odd food seller by the side of the road.

This isn’t something you need to fret too much about, as one stamp is guaranteed wherever you’re staying, and if you miss the odd second stamp, nobody is going to hang you out to dry when you reach Santiago. The idea is simply to provide proof that you have walked for x amount of days.

If anything, you’ll grow to love the stamp collecting. Many come with delightful designs, and when you look back at your passport in years to come, these stamps will bring your roaring back.

What Happens if I Lose My Pilgrim Passport?

Losing a pilgrim’s passport certainly adds some hassle, but it’s also not something you’re going to be flogged for. Here’s what to do if it happens:

1. Stay calm and assess your situation – Retrace your steps and check with local businesses or accommodations where you may have left it.
2. Contact your current accommodation – Speak to the staff at your hotel or albergue—they’re often familiar with helping pilgrims replace lost items.
3. Visit a nearby pilgrim office – Head to the nearest pilgrim office or church to explain your situation and obtain a replacement passport.
4. Carry evidence of your journey – If you’ve been collecting receipts or photos along the way, these can help verify your progress for a new passport.
5. Start recollecting stamps immediately – Begin collecting stamps again as soon as you receive your replacement, ensuring you meet the requirements for a Compostela.

Lost passports aren’t exactly a rarity, but you’ll probably be more annoyed with yourself for losing something that will have great sentimental value when you’ve finished.

For more expert advice on tackling challenges along the Camino, see the insights shared by the Chartered Physiotherapist and former Irish International Athlete Siobhan Treacy.

What is the Compostela Certificate?

The Compostela Certificate is the official recognition of your Camino pilgrimage, awarded at the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago. It signifies the completion of at least 100 km on foot (or 200 km by bike) and is a cherished memento of this profound journey, written in Latin to honour its historical and spiritual origins.

How do I Get My Compostela?

Once you’ve reached the hallowed gates of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, your time on the Camino has come to an end, but there is one final act needed to get your Compostela.

1. You’ll need to go to the Pilgrim’s Office in Santiago and first take a number. If there’s nobody around and it’s in the off-season, you might be able to go through immediately, but more often than not you’ll have some time to wait. 
2. You can either wait in the office or use the QR code on the ticket to find out your place in real-time and return later. It is recommended you return within at least 50 numbers from your own, so you don’t miss your slot.
3. This might sound a little complicated, but because of the large numbers of pilgrims, it’s become necessary to streamline the service as much as possible to prevent huge lines from forming outside.
4. When you return, you’ll be asked to present your passport which will be checked, then your Compostela will be filled out in front of you. You’ll have to give the information you want on your Compostela to whoever is behind the desk.

The Compostela are in Latin and are certainly aimed at the religious crowd rather than those doing it for sport or fun. If you would like a non-religious certificate instead, you can request it before the staff member begins.

Some U Walk Paperwork Tips

• Keep your passport in a dry, safe place. Making sure it’s carefully tucked away at all times counts for very little if that pocket gets swamped with rainwater.
• A waterproof pouch or simply a plastic bag is also a good idea because passports have a habit of falling apart.
• You can also request a Camino Certificate of Distance and a Cathedral Visit Certificate if you wish, both available from the same Pilgrim’s Office.
• You don’t necessarily need to get your Compostela right away, and if you are staying in Santiago for a few days, you could also always go and enjoy the city after your arrival and then return first thing in the morning when the lines are at the shortest.
• Camino passport stamps are easily found along the Camino so there’s no need to feel like you necessarily need to go searching for them. Bars, restaurants, shops, and town halls have them, and they are usually advertised somewhere, so you’ll be able to spot them easily.

Walk the Camino with Confidence

Let U Walk take the stress out of your Camino adventure with pre-arranged logistics, expert-guided support, and tailored walking packages. Whether it’s your first Camino or your fifth, we ensure every detail is covered, leaving you free to enjoy the journey. Explore our Camino walking tours and step into a seamless, unforgettable experience.