New rules for obtaining your Compostela

The Compostela is an official certificate issued by the authorities of Santiago Cathedral, recognising the pilgrim’s completion of the Camino. And now, new rules apply to obtaining it.

Pilgrims are given a passport at the start of the Camino, where they can collect stamps along the way. These stamps are provided at hotels, churches, cathedrals, cafés, restaurants, tourist information centres, and many other locations.

Previously, it was necessary to collect two stamps per day over the last 100 km on foot or 200 km by bicycle, consecutively. However, this has now changed.

 

What are the new rules?

According to the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino website, to obtain the historic Compostela document, written in Latin (“devotionis affectu, voti vel pietatis”), you must adhere to the following rules:

• If travelling on foot: As before, you must walk at least 100 km along routes recognised by the International Pilgrim Welcome Centre system.
   
  The biggest change: If your pilgrimage begins outside Spain on one of the recognised routes, you must cover at least 70 km continuously within Spanish territory to be eligible for the Compostela. The final stage of your journey must end at the Cathedral.
   
  Example: If you start your Camino in A Guarda and walk to Pontevedra, and then complete your final stage from Padrón to Santiago, you will have covered the minimum 100 km (not necessarily continuous) while also fulfilling the requirement of walking at least 70 km uninterrupted in Spain, finishing at the Cathedral of Santiago.

 

• If travelling by bicycle: The same rules apply as for walking pilgrims, but the minimum required distance increases to 200 km.

 

Other important rules

In addition to the distance requirements, there are other conditions for obtaining the Compostela. Here’s a quick summary of what you must follow:

• Your pilgrimage must have a religious or spiritual purpose.

 

• The Compostela is only issued directly and individually to the pilgrim.

 

• The Camino can be completed in stages, but you must meet the minimum distance requirements mentioned earlier (100 km on foot and 200 km by bicycle).

 

• You must collect a stamp at the start and end of each stage.

 

• Children walking the Camino with their parents or in groups must understand the spiritual nature of the journey. If they are too young, they will receive a special certificate instead. Their names may also be included in their parents’ or guardians’ Compostela.

 

• Upon arrival at the International Pilgrim Welcome Centre, you must register using a QR code and provide the required details. After registration, you will receive an alphanumeric code by email or message, which must be presented to the staff member issuing your Compostela.

 

PORTUGAL GREEN WALKS WILL PROVIDE YOUR PILGRIM PASSPORT AT THE START OF YOUR CAMINO. ALL OF OUR PROGRAMMES ARE RECOGNISED FOR OBTAINING THIS OFFICIAL AND HISTORIC DOCUMENT!

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