What is the Pilgrim Record or credencial?
The Pilgrim Record (credencial in Spanish) is a certificate of bona fide pilgrim status, and is required for access to the refugios along all the routes in Spain. It is stamped at the beginning, and daily at churches, refugios, town halls (Ayuntamiento),bars etc along the way. Pilgrims present the completed card at the Pilgrim Office in Santiago, fill in a questionnaire about why they have made the pilgrimage and may then qualify for a Compostela certificate. The Confraternity issues Pilgrim Records free to members – but NOT to non-members. To find out more, go to our How and where to get a credencial page. Pilgrim records/credenciales are made available only to walkers, cyclists, and pilgrims on horseback who are travelling without vehicular backup. Tell me more about the Pilgrim Record and about the Compostela.
