Credential and certificate planning

Compostela eligibility checker

Compare your intended pilgrimage with the current published requirements for distance, direction, continuity, credential stamps and purpose. Get a clear list of what is ready and what still needs attention.

1. Your pilgrimage

How will you travel?

Continuous distance toward Santiago (km)

Enter the continuous distance on one recognized route.

Days in the qualifying section

Used to build your printable stamp tracker.

2. Route and arrival

Will you follow one route recognized by the Pilgrim Office?

Will every stage continue from the previous stopping point?

Will the qualifying pilgrimage finish in Santiago?

Will the qualifying distance remain on that same route?

3. Credential and purpose

Will you carry an official or Cathedral-authorized Credencial?

Will you collect at least two dated stamps each day in the qualifying section?

Is the pilgrimage being made for a Christian religious or spiritual reason, including an attitude of search?

Will you apply in person at the Pilgrim Reception Office?

Your answers stay in this browser. This is planning guidance, not an application or decision by the Cathedral.

CaminoMaps personal planning report

My Compostela preparation checklist

Your preparation checklist

This checker does not guarantee a Compostela. Rules and individual circumstances can change. Confirm unusual plans with the Pilgrim Reception Office before travelling.

Before arriving in Santiago

Check that every stamp has a clear date and place.
Make sure the credential demonstrates geographical continuity.
Keep the credential dry and do not pack it in transferred luggage.
Check current Pilgrim Reception Office procedures and opening times.
Bring identification and apply in person.

Official rules: oficinadelperegrino.com

Current standard requirements

The Pilgrim Reception Office currently states that pilgrims should complete at least 100 continuous kilometres on foot or horseback, or 200 kilometres by bicycle, toward Santiago on the same recognized route. Sailing pilgrims must complete 100 nautical miles and finish the remaining Camino on foot from the port.

The route can be completed in separate trips, but stages must remain chronologically and geographically ordered. When completing only the minimum qualifying distance, stamps at the start and end of each stage help demonstrate continuity. The Office’s credential guidance calls for at least two stamps per day over the final qualifying distance.

The Compostela is a religious certificate for a pilgrimage made with Christian sentiment, which the official Credencial describes as including an attitude of search. Check the official Compostela requirements and official Credencial guidance before relying on any third-party summary.

Compostela and credential questions

How far must I walk to receive the Compostela?

The standard requirement is at least 100 continuous kilometres on foot or horseback on the same recognized route toward Santiago. The final stage must lead into Santiago.

How far must I cycle?

The standard cycling requirement is at least 200 kilometres under the same route and continuity conditions.

How many stamps do I need?

The Pilgrim Office says it is essential to obtain at least two stamps per day over the final qualifying 100 km on foot or horseback, or 200 km by bicycle. Date the stamps clearly.

Can I complete the Camino in separate trips?

Yes, provided the stages remain chronologically and geographically ordered and each new trip resumes where the previous one finished. Keep clear start and end stamps for each stage.

Does this checker guarantee a Compostela?

No. It identifies obvious gaps using published rules. The Pilgrim Reception Office and Cathedral make the final decision and can advise on unusual or exceptional cases.