Getting a pilgrim's passport

[JanMary]

Hi there,
I have bought my pilgrim's passport over the internet from Ivar's store. My question is - do I need to get this filled in/stamped before I begin my walk? I'll be catching the bus from Bayonne to St Jean Pied de Port early in the morning and would like to get started walking - hence I thought I'd save a bit of time by getting my pilgrim's passport before I leave home. But do I need to call into the pilgrim's office in St Jean Pied de Port before I launch off?

Many thanks for your help - Jan

 

[Bradypus]

It is not obligatory to visit the pilgrim office in St Jean. You can fill in your personal details yourself if you wish. You do not have to register anywhere or have your credencial stamped at the pilgrim office. Most people choose to do so though: the office is a good source of information and hands out free updated accommodation lists for the Camino Frances which are very useful. If you decide that you want to have a distance certificate as well as a Compostela from the Santiago pilgrim office on completion of your pilgrimage the stamp and date from St Jean would be useful evidence to present. Unless the office in St Jean is extremely busy when you pass through a visit there should not add more than a few minutes to your first day.

 

[Mark McCarthy]

If there are any weather warnings or advisories it is worth dropping in to the pilgrim's office, plus the stamp is a nice one. But there is no obligation.

 

[Anniesantiago]

What Bradypus and Mark said.
It's worth a visit, in my opinion.
You can also get your shell there for a donation.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Don't regret not getting your first stamp from the office. You won't be far from the office when you get off the bus and the street is pretty. Besides all the other stuff written above.

Interactive map of St. Jean

Drag the Google stickman figure to get into streetview at some point and take a look.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

There is no rush on the Camino. No reason not to take 5 minutes to pop your head in. On the contrary, popping in may start you on a more relaxed pace.