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I beg to differ.I'm not sure what the percentage of pilgrims that carry on to Finnistere, but a satellite Compestela office would be a cool thing. Get the Finnistere Compestela at the same time and I'm sure you would find ample volunteers who would like to spend extended time there (much cheaper accommodation too).
I'm not sure what the percentage of pilgrims that carry on to Finnistere, but a satellite Compestela office would be a cool thing. Get the Finnistere Compestela at the same time and I'm sure you would find ample volunteers who would like to spend extended time there (much cheaper accommodation too).
I'm not sure what the percentage of pilgrims that carry on to Finnistere, but a satellite Compestela office would be a cool thing. Get the Finnistere Compestela at the same time and I'm sure you would find ample volunteers who would like to spend extended time there (much cheaper accommodation too).
As a pilgrim not familiar with this, how does one submit data in advance? Is there a website? Thanks!The ENTIRE issue with the new Compostela process is EDUCATION. Once most or all pilgrims understand they can submit data in advance, show their QR code, and speed up the entire process, for everyone, the entire process will accelerate.
Those of us who have worked with this new process are praying that the word gets out and people participate in advance submission of their data before the 2022 season starts.
Absent this, it is not possible to hire enough staff or engage enough volunteers to process the numbers of pilgrims anticipated for 2022. Only automating as much of the process as possible will ameliorate long lines and frustrated pilgrims.
The final point in this regard is that all pilgrims must plan enough time at Santiago to allow for at least one night at Santiago, preferably two, in case you are shut out of the Compostela process on your arrival day and are told to come back tomorrow. It happened a lot this year (2021).
Far too many pilgrims arrived thinking they could stroll in, get their Compostela, attend the noon pilgrim Mass, and catch a bus, train or plane out of Santiago later the same day. It has not been like this for several years. The COVID pandemic made it worse, with reduced staff and office hours. All the folks responsible for the Pilgrim Office are concerned about the 2022 season. With the Holy Year (with availability of the Jubilee Indulgence) extended another year by Papal Bull, until the end of 2022 liturgical year, the pent up demand across the world is going to hit as soon as it is safe to come out and do Camino.
Original estimates for the 2021 Holy Year before the COVID pandemic ranged from 650,000 to 700,000 pilgrim arrivals. The 2019 total was about 349,000. The 2021 arrival total will likely be about half of the 2019 number. All the COVID pandemic did was delay the inevitable surge of pilgrim arrivals from 2021 into 2022.
Be prepared! Plan for two nights in Santiago. Do not wait until you arrive to make reservations. During 2022, finding a bed is going to be difficult, especially during the peak season - May to September. Please plan ahead and early.
Hope this helps.
Tom
Thank you Tom,1. Go to this URL:
2. Click on the flag representing the language of your choice.
3. Follow the directions to fill out the information collection form
4. Submit the form.
You will receive a SMS message when you have submitted the information.
This is followed almost immediately by an email directing you to another link. This link has your QR code and alphanumeric code for the data record you just submitted.
PRESERVE BOTH THE SMS AND THE EMAIL / FIRST QR code.
This first QR code gets you into the Pilgrim Office, and results in staff giving you another receipt with a new QR code and a large number. The number is your place in the queue to be interviewed to receive a Compostela.
Hope this helps.
Tom
I have a phone that is much smarter than me, so I only use it to answer/make phone calls. I don't know if I could do what is asked without assistance.This is correct, but the security folks will ensure that you do not have a smart phone before they resort to Plan B - giving you the single use paper form.
The purpose is to reduce multiple people touching the same surface (form, pen, clipboard, etc.) to reduce the chance of spreading the COVID virus. So, if you show up and ask for a form, expect the security fellow to ask to see your mobile phone.
That is why electronic, advance submission of data is highly preferred. I reduces the viral vectors and coincidentally speeds thing up a lot, especially at the counter.
Hope this helps.
Tom
It also saves a lot of paper!This is correct, but the security folks will ensure that you do not have a smart phone before they resort to Plan B - giving you the single use paper form.
The purpose is to reduce multiple people touching the same surface (form, pen, clipboard, etc.) to reduce the chance of spreading the COVID virus. So, if you show up and ask for a form, expect the security fellow to ask to see your mobile phone.
That is why electronic, advance submission of data is highly preferred. I reduces the viral vectors and coincidentally speeds thing up a lot, especially at the counter.
Try it out now. Just go to the link that Tom provided. First you will have to choose your language, then agree to EU data protection rules. The next screen will say "Create a Group." Don't worry, that's the page that you want. Simply fill in the information and then click the ✔Create a group button.I have a phone that is much smarter than me, so I only use it to answer/make phone calls. I don't know if I could do what is asked without assistance.
I'm not very techy...to put it lightly.The next screen will say "Create a Group." Don't worry, that's the page that you want. Simply fill in the information and then click the ✔Create a group button.
I did go to that page and tried to enter our next camino. We want to start on the Camino Baztan in Bayonna, but even clicking on otro caminos I could not find that starting point. Maybe it is because I am using my home computer and not my phone. I can't try on my phone unless I walk about 1KM uphill to our mailbox to get a signal. It is pouring rain here so I think it will have to wait.Try it out now. Just go to the link that Tom provided. First you will have to choose your language, then agree to EU data protection rules. The next screen will say "Create a Group." Don't worry, that's the page that you want. Simply fill in the information and then click the ✔Create a group button.
Just like you should try out your backpack, shoes, rain gear, etc. before the Camino, you should try out and familiarize yourself with your technology before you go.
I think that perhaps you could choose the Camino that you will be walking on when you enter Galicia. If you do decide to choose "otro caminos" you could pick "resto Galicia" for your starting point. The important thing is to do the initial registration.I did go to that page and tried to enter our next camino. We want to start on the Camino Baztan in Bayonna, but even clicking on otro caminos I could not find that starting point.
Hi Tom, thank you for this information. I am guiding some groups next year and I just want to make sure I get this right. I see that when applying for Compostelas in advance, you can form a group application. Does this mean that only one qr code is issued for the group so only the group leader actually goes into the office in santiago or does every member get a qr code and have to collect their individual Compostela? Sorry if this has already been asked1. Go to this URL:
2. Click on the flag representing the language of your choice.
3. Follow the directions to fill out the information collection form
4. Submit the form.
You will receive a SMS message when you have submitted the information.
This is followed almost immediately by an email directing you to another link. This link has your QR code and alphanumeric code for the data record you just submitted.
PRESERVE BOTH THE SMS AND THE EMAIL / FIRST QR code.
This first QR code gets you into the Pilgrim Office, and results in staff giving you another receipt with a new QR code and a large number. The number is your place in the queue to be interviewed to receive a Compostela.
Hope this helps.
Tom
I did and ran into the same glitch that @witsendwv encountered.Try it out now.
Their online setup is erratic and not well designed. It is centered on Galicia first and to some extent on Spain second. If you start outside of Spain you need to pick one of the major approach Caminos, essentially the Norte or the Frances option, which gives you a wider selection of starting points.What to do - similar to @trecile's suggestion just put down the Invierno starting in Ponferrada instead, even though that's not where I actually started? And what about anyone starting at home somewhere outside of Spain?
Thanks for this info, Jflampert.Just finished another great Camino and obtaining my Compostela couldn't have been easier or faster. Simply had to scan the the QPR code on the sign outside of the Pilgrim's Center, enter my data and then walked right in and got my Compestela. I arrived around 3:45 p.m. and walked out before 4:00. Assistance is a available for anyone having problems. Overall the entire Camino Frances from SJPD went great with adequate accommodations along the way. It was sad to see a number of facilities closed that I visited in the past but overall a great time.
Only the group leader receives the confirmatory SMS message and the first QR code. This enables security to admit only the leader to the office. The leader must have all the properly completed credencials when he/she enters the group office.Hi Tom, thank you for this information. I am guiding some groups next year and I just want to make sure I get this right. I see that when applying for Compostelas in advance, you can form a group application. Does this mean that only one qr code is issued for the group so only the group leader actually goes into the office in santiago or does every member get a qr code and have to collect their individual Compostela? Sorry if this has already been asked
Thank you Tom that's extremely helpfulOnly the group leader receives the confirmatory SMS message and the first QR code. This enables security to admit only the leader to the office. The leader must have all the properly completed credencials when he/she enters the group office.
None of the other group members need be present. The UST have fully completed the inside front of the credencial booklet, and MUST have all the necessary sellos / stamps.
Staff will accept the credencials, provide a receipt and tell the group leader when to return for the completed Compostelas (and Distance Certificates) if requested up-front. When the group leader returns later as instructed, he/she will be given each credencial, usually with the corresponding Compostela / Distance Certificate inserted.
Hope this helps.
Tom
You can use a tablet with camera that is connected to wifi.Thanks for this info, Jflampert.
Does this process require a smartphone or just a tablet with a camera and WIFI?
I did it this year and assistance was on hand, I needed it. The big problem was although I had put my language as English the question what country are you from had a drop down box with the answers in Spanish. I hope this is not the same on the online one. I will need to learn what England, Great Britain and United Kingdom are in Spanish.I have a phone that is much smarter than me, so I only use it to answer/make phone calls. I don't know if I could do what is asked without assistance.
What you were using is the online form. You were using it online, right?I hope this is not the same on the online one.
Yes I scanned my phone outside the office and plenty of officials to help me.What you were using is the online form. You were using it online, right?
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