What Is a Credencial?

Credencial (in Spanish) or creancial (in French) is a pilgrim’s passport. It is a small booklet used to collect stamps given at designated churches or hostels along the way. For most pilgrims, the credential also serves as a basic souvenir from their pilgrimage, reminding them of the different stages of their journey.

Most pilgrim accommodations throughout Europe are available only upon presentation of the credential. These include mainly parochial, municipal, and private hostels. Some commercial establishments offer a discount based on the credential. 

How Do I Get My Credencial?

Ultreia, z. s. issues a Czech version of the credencial. You can get it at selected shops or by mail. The cost is CZK 110, plus shipping.

The credencial is available for purchase at the following locations (listed alphabetically):

You can also purchase it through our new e-shop.

St. James Way Completion Certificate

To qualify for the completion certificate in Santiago de Compostela, you must have traveled at least the last 100 km on foot or horseback, or 200 km by bike. Your journey is verified with the dated stamps in your credential.

The Czech credential is a valid document that allows you to apply for the Compostela (completion certificate) in Santiago and for accommodation as well. It is equivalent to the Spanish credentials. (The rule that as of April 1, 2016 Compostelas will only be given to pilgrims with credentials issued by the Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela has not in fact entered into force, as we see from our own experience every year.)  The Czech credential also remains valid for accommodation for pilgrims travelling from Prague to Santiago.

Where to Find Camino Stamps on Czech Routes

Safe the list of stemps from mapy.cz to your phone