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If you are planning to walk the Camino de Santiago, you should know that the pilgrim\u2019s credential <\/span>remains an essential element<\/b>. This is the \u201cpassport\u201d that pilgrims carry to collect stamps at each stage, thereby proving their journey once they arrive in Santiago. <\/span><\/p>\n Traditionally, it is a small paper booklet that is stamped at hostels, churches, bars or other places along the Camino. However, for a few years now there has also been <\/span>the digital pilgrim\u2019s credential<\/b>, a modern alternative launched in 2021 by the Cathedral of Santiago and the Xunta de Galicia. <\/span><\/p>\n It does not replace the traditional paper credential, but rather complements it<\/b>, offering a more technological way of keeping a record of stamps. Below, we explain in detail what it consists of, its advantages and disadvantages, and how to use it correctly during your pilgrimage.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The digital pilgrim\u2019s credential is the official electronic version of the paper one (the pilgrim\u2019s passport). It was designed during the Holy Year 2021 as part of the digital transformation of pilgrim services. <\/span><\/p>\n It consists of an <\/span>official mobile application<\/b> (developed by the Pilgrim Reception Office of the Cathedral of Santiago) that pilgrims install on their smartphone. <\/span><\/p>\n Through this app, available for Android and iOS devices in several languages (Spanish, English, Galician, among others), walkers can <\/span>obtain their stamps digitally<\/b> during each stage. Instead of having your paper stamped with ink, here you will <\/span>scan QR codes<\/b> that you will find at official stamping points along the Camino. <\/span><\/p>\n Each QR code corresponds to the stamp of a hostel, tourist office, parish or other establishment; when you scan it with your phone\u2019s camera, <\/span>the image of the stamp is added to your digital credential<\/b>, in much the same way as if it had been stamped on paper.<\/span><\/p>\n This innovation emerged to <\/span>improve the experience and health safety<\/b> during the pandemic, avoiding interpersonal contact and speeding up the process. But beyond the COVID-19 context, it <\/span>adds convenience<\/b> for the modern pilgrim. <\/span><\/p>\n It is important to highlight that it <\/span>has the same validity<\/b> as the traditional paper credential. In other words, with either one you can obtain the Compostela (the official pilgrim\u2019s certificate) upon arriving in Santiago, provided you have met the distance and minimum stamp requirements. <\/span><\/p>\n In short, it is an optional and official tool for recording your pilgrimage electronically. It is not mandatory; if you prefer, you can continue using the traditional one. In fact, many pilgrims carry both at the same time without any problem (for example, using the digital one for convenience while also stamping the paper one as a keepsake). <\/span><\/p>\n Next, we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of this digital option.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n This was introduced as a health measure during the pandemic, but it remains an advantage in general (think of rainy days with soaked credentials, or handling by hundreds of people). In this case, it lives on your phone, which is something personal; you simply scan the code yourself and that\u2019s it.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition, as it is linked to an account, even if you were to lose your device you could reinstall the app and recover it by entering your user details.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n This means that, upon arrival, the process of obtaining your Compostela will be faster, as your details will already be linked to your digital credential. The app even allows you to receive the <\/span>\u201cfinal stamp\u201d upon arrival in Santiago<\/b> digitally, streamlining the final verification.<\/span> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Of course, the app works on <\/span>any of the official routes<\/b> you choose to walk. Whether you travel the <\/span>Camino del Norte from Gij\u00f3n<\/b><\/a> along the Cantabrian coast, or decide on a section of the Camino Franc\u00e9s (<\/span>Camino Franc\u00e9s from Logro\u00f1o<\/b><\/a> or <\/span>Camino Franc\u00e9s from Burgos<\/b><\/a>), the digital credential will allow you to stamp your progress regardless of the chosen route.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The implementation has been gradual: in 2022 there were just over 400 digital stamps available (including those from Correos, associations, large hostels, etc.), a figure that has been increasing, but which is still far from covering all places that offer physical stamps.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Likewise, the app\u2019s functionality depends on the phone working properly. In the event of a device failure, loss or theft of the mobile phone, you would need to get another device and reinstall the app to continue (remembering your username and password).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The digital credential lacks the tangible element: you cannot leaf through it physically or show it as a souvenir to your family, beyond showing the screen or eventually printing a report. Although you still obtain the paper Compostela at the end, the collector\u2019s experience may feel diluted in the digital format.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If a hospitalero is not familiar with the app, they may not know how to guide you; sometimes you may have to ask <\/span>\u201cWhere is the QR code for the digital credential?\u201d<\/span><\/i> and it is possible that in certain places they may not even know what you are talking about if they have not received information.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you decide to try out the advantages of the digital credential on your organised Camino de Santiago, it is important to know how to use it step by step. Below we offer a practical guide to using it correctly:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As you can see, each digital stamp includes the same information as a physical one (name of the establishment or church, town and date). You can review all your stamps in the app at any time, ordered by date or stage.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Important<\/b>: if at the moment of scanning you do not have a data connection, the app will save the attempt and the stamp will be added when you have Internet access again.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n You can stamp more often if you wish (there is no limit), but the minimum is important to avoid surprises. The app itself will show you all the stamps you have; you can keep track and make sure you meet the requirement.<\/span> <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Once in the city, when you go to the <\/span>Pilgrim Reception Office<\/b> (R\u00faa Carretas, 33), you will be able to complete the final procedure with your digital credential. Traditionally, the final Cathedral stamp is applied here on the paper format; in the digital case, the app also allows you to obtain this final arrival stamp electronically. <\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes this final digital stamp is added automatically by scanning a code in the office or by completing your registration in the digital queue. Follow the instructions of the Office staff: they are familiar with digital credentials. <\/span><\/p>\n You will need to show on your mobile phone the digital stamps you have collected. Most likely, you will be asked to generate a <\/span>verification QR code<\/b> or simply show the screen where all your stamps and details appear (the app has a specific section for displaying this to officials). <\/span><\/p>\n Thanks to the fact that you have already completed your details when registering in the app, the staff will be able to quickly confirm your information and validate that you meet the requirements. In this way, they will <\/span>print your Compostela<\/b> just like for any other pilgrim. Congratulations\u2014mission accomplished!<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The digital pilgrim\u2019s credential is undoubtedly a <\/span>useful innovation <\/b>that brings convenience and modernity. Its advantages make it attractive for pilgrims who walk the Camino on an organised trip and want to minimise logistical concerns. If you book an organised journey with hotels and luggage transport, the digital credential fits well with that more planned experience.<\/span><\/p>\n In 2026, the digital credential has already established itself as a valid and recognised alternative, although perhaps still in the process of widespread adoption. If you are interested in trying it, we encourage you to do so by following the steps outlined above, but always have<\/span> a plan B (for example, carrying a spare physical credential, or at least noting stamps in a notebook if the technology fails). <\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the digital pilgrim\u2019s credential?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nAdvantages of the digital credential<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Disadvantages of the digital credential<\/b><\/h2>\n
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How to use the digital credential correctly<\/b><\/h2>\n
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