Credential
The Pilgrim Credential is the modern successor to the documents issued to pilgrims in the Middle Ages, which acted as a “safe conduct” pass.
In addition to granting access to albergues, the credential serves as proof of the journey completed, allowing pilgrims to request the Compostela at the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. The Compostela is the certificate that confirms a pilgrim has completed the pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint James.
In Portugal, two official models of the Pilgrim Credential are available: one issued by the Santiago Cathedral and the other by the Via Lusitana Pilgrims Association, with permission from the Cathedral.
The first page of the Pilgrim Credential acts as an introduction and must be filled in with the pilgrim’s details. In addition to the stamp of the issuing entity or association, the bottom of this page includes a space for a stamp from the Oficina de Acogida al Peregrino once the pilgrimage has been completed.
The next page contains the rules for use, which must be read and followed. There is also a page with a blessing for pilgrims dating back to the 12th century.
The remaining pages are meant to be stamped along the pilgrimage. Stamps (sellos) are typically collected at places where the pilgrim stays, such as albergues, inns, or hotels, but also at churches, tourist offices, cafes, official bodies, and so on. There are plenty of places to get stamps along the way.
It is mandatory that, in the final 100km, the Pilgrim Credential be stamped twice a day, regardless of the starting point of the pilgrimage. For pilgrims on bicycles, the required distance is 200km.
The Credential issued by the Santiago Cathedral features a series of artistic maps of the various Santiago Routes in Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. These maps are not included in the Credential of the Via Lusitana Pilgrims Association.
The Credential can be requested directly from our Association through the form below. You will receive a confirmation email with instructions for payment. We only send credentials within Portugal.
Each credential involves a donation of €2, plus shipping costs via CTT:
• 1 to 3 credentials – €1.50
• 4 to 6 credentials – €2
For larger quantities, the amount will be calculated individually.
