Accommodation

[Kathleen tracy]

Hi me yet again! Ive seen online than on application to the confraternity of st james schengen visa i am required to pre book and pay for accommodation along our walk. We were hoping to stop over at whichever little hamlet took our fancy. Plse will someone clear this up for me. Thanks again

 

[NorthernLight]

There was a recent discussion by South Africans on another thread about the need for an invitation and for booked accommodation as part of the visa application. Trying searching the forum using a variety of search words ... search icon button in top right corner of page.

This was not it, but may have some info. One link. One solution was to use a booking site that allows you to cancel.

 

[SYates]

Hi me yet again! Ive seen online than on application to the confraternity of st james schengen visa i am required to pre book and pay for accommodation along our walk. We were hoping to stop over at whichever little hamlet took our fancy. Plse will someone clear this up for me. Thanks again

Are you from South Africa? If yes, please contact the https://www.csjofsa.za.org/ They will guide you through the process! BC SY

 

[Anniesantiago]

Where are you from?
It makes a difference.

 

[Felipe]

If you walk in winter, most private albergues will be closed. I don't know about casas rurales, but I'd ask beforehand.
Public (parish or municipal) abergues are usually open all-year round. Not reservations accepted, you just come in and ask for a place. Given the season, they will not be crowded, and there is always a good feeling amongst walkers.

 

[SabsP]

Where are you from?
It makes a difference.

If you click on the name of OP you will see that she is from South Africa.

 

[Anniesantiago]

When I have taken walkers from South Africa on my group trips, I must supply them with a calendar of dates and when they will sleep in each lodging, which means you must book all of your lodging ahead of time in a way that makes sense. Whether or not you STICK to that once you arrive is another matter. But in order to get the VISA, you must provide proof of each booking in my experience.

 

[jsalt]

But in order to get the VISA, you must provide proof of each booking in my experience.

The Confraternity of St James in South Africa (https://www.csjofsa.za.org/) can issue the member with an official letter stating that the member will be walking the camino. This letter is accepted by the Spanish embassy in South Africa. Proof of booked accommodation is not required by the person named in the said letter. All the South Africans in my groups have done this successfully.

 

[Anniesantiago]

The Confraternity of St James in South Africa (https://www.csjofsa.za.org/) can issue the member with an official letter stating that the member will be walking the camino. This letter is accepted by the Spanish embassy in South Africa. Proof of booked accommodation is not required by the person named in the said letter. All the South Africans in my groups have done this successfully.

This is great information. In the past, we've had to prove booked accommodation, but I haven't had a South African in the past few years.

 

[jsalt]

This is great information. In the past, we've had to prove booked accommodation, but I haven't had a South African in the past few years.

Just for interest, the letter they issued to me reads:

Confraternity of St James South Africa
Request for Application of a Schengen Visa
6 February 2017

To The Supervisor
Visa Section
Consulate-General of Spain
South Africa

Dear Sir/Madam

This letter serves to confirm that Ms Jill Margaret Salt, South Africa passport holder number [xxxxxxxxx], is a member of the “Confraternity of St James of South Africa”. Her pilgrim passport/credencial reference number is: 2017/0184 – CSJofSA.

Ms Salt is a bona fide pilgrim and will be walking from Leon to Santiago de Compostela commencing 09 September 2017.

Ms Salt will primarily be staying overnight in dedicated pilgrims’ accommodation establishments (e.g. refugios and albergues) along The Way, where it is not possible to pre-book accommodation. Her itinerary will be determined by weather conditions and the degree of difficulty of the terrain along her intended route.

Yours sincerely

[Signed by the Chairman]

Confraternity of St James of South Africa