Credencials for Distance Certificate - Any volunteers at Pilgrim's Office there for an answer?

[Labhaoise111]

Hi!

I'm heading off on Sunday to finish the last 150km of the Frances, having previously walked from Roncesvalles in 2019.

I'm just wondering if I need to bring both of the old credencials to get the certificate showing the full distance, or if a photo would be sufficient?

*Editing to say I've only just realised the distance certificate and Compostela are different documents, so not as important, but would be good to know anyway.

Thanks!

 

[trecile]

Hi!

I'm heading off on Sunday to finish the last 150km of the Frances, having previously walked from Roncesvalles in 2019.

I'm just wondering if I need to bring both of the old credencials to get the certificate showing the full distance, or if a photo would be sufficient?

*Editing to say I've only just realised the distance certificate and Compostela are different documents, so not as important, but would be good to know anyway.

Thanks!

I would bring both

 

[alexwalker]

If you want the Compostela, the PO does not care where you started or when. The requirement for the Compostela is 2 stamps/day for the last 100 kms (if you walk; 200 if you ride on a bicycle) on any officially accepted Camino into Santiago.

If you want the Distance certificate, bring the old one too.

Greetings from a former volunteer in the PO...

 

[t2andreo]

I recommend bringing the original credencial. A photo may not suffice. No sense in going to all that trouble only to be denied. Put it in a ziplock bag for protection.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Mycroft]

Ummm what's a Distance Certificate? I've only used my credencial (pilgrim passport) on my pilgrimages.

 

[trecile]

Ummm what's a Distance Certificate? I've only used my credencial (pilgrim passport) on my pilgrimages.

A distance certificate is an extra certificate that shows the total distance that you walked to Santiago that you can purchase at the Pilgrim's Office in Santiago when you get your Compostela.

 

[Wendykin]

Can you get a distance cert for doing -say, Burgos to Ponferrada?

 

[trecile]

Can you get a distance cert for doing -say, Burgos to Ponferrada?

You can only obtain the distance certificate in Santiago.

Here's the information:

Certificate of distance: Pilgrim’s Office

The Pilgrim’s Office offers the Certificate of Distance, a document issued by the Cathedral of Santiago certifying the number of kilometres you have travelled

oficinadelperegrino.com

 

[Wendykin]

You can only obtain the distance certificate in Santiago.

Here's the information:

Certificate of distance: Pilgrim’s Office

The Pilgrim’s Office offers the Certificate of Distance, a document issued by the Cathedral of Santiago certifying the number of kilometres you have travelled

oficinadelperegrino.com

Yes, but does it also have to be between Sarria & Santiago? Or can it be anywhere on the route.

 

[trecile]

Yes, but does it also have to be between Sarria & Santiago? Or can it be anywhere on the route.

I think that it´s just for those who walk or cycle to Santiago. Perhaps @t2andreo or another pilgrim office volunteer can give us the answer.

 

[Labhaoise111]

Thanks everyone, bringing the old credencials as well. I have seen a post somewhere of someone saying you can email for one. But I'll just do it while I'm there to be sure.

 

[trecile]

I have seen a post somewhere of someone saying you can email for one. But I'll just do it while I'm there to be sure.

The link to the Pilgrim's Office that I posted has the email address, but no instructions on what is required.

 

[t2andreo]

I think that it´s just for those who walk or cycle to Santiago. Perhaps @t2andreo or another pilgrim office volunteer can give us the answer.

In my experience, since you are paying for the Distance Certificate, the start and ending points can be flexible. I have seen this done. But I do not know if there is a formal rule.

But I do know that the absolute rule for issuing a Compostela is that you must walk AT LEAST THE FINAL 100 KM INTO SANTIAGO (essentially Plaza Obradoiro in front of the Cathedral). This must be on a sanctioned/ approve route. Bicyclists must ride the final 200 km into Santiago.

In both cases, you should be able to prove your route of travel by obtaining at least TWO SELLOS PER DAY in your credencial.

Hope this helps,

Tom

 

[Wendykin]

In my experience, since you are paying for the Distance Certificate, the start and ending points can be flexible. I have seen this done. But I do not know if there is a formal rule.

But I do know that the absolute rule for issuing a Compostela is that you must walk AT LEAST THE FINAL 100 KM INTO SANTIAGO (essentially Plaza Obradoiro in front of the Cathedral). This must be on a sanctioned/ approve route. Bicyclists must ride the final 200 km into Santiago.

In both cases, you should be able to prove your route of travel by obtaining at least TWO SELLOS PER DAY in your credencial.

Hope this helps,

Tom

Thankyou Tom. Yes I have 2 official Compostelas from the past already. This time I’m only doing the central section of the CF, so I was wondering about a distance only certificate. If no, then I won’t waste time going through the effort or hassle of the lineup at pilgrim office.

 

[t2andreo]

All I can say is try. But, personally, I would not bother. Then again, it might mean a lot to you. I know I walked it, and the sellos in the credential tell the story.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Wendykin]

Thankyou all. At the Pilgrim House I was told it depends on the volunteer at the counter and what you request. I discovered the website for the pilgrims which says it doesn’t matter where for distance certificates. Either way, I’m satisfied. In Santiago today only and got my certificate for the distance! Head home tomorrow.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Yes they are in the same location - you have to pay (E3 I think) for this certificate. Cheers

 

[Wendykin]

The Pilgrims office has a website! I got my distance certificate desired. Heading home shortly. Thanks for trying to help. Buen Camino todos los peregrinos.