documentation requirements for the Camino from USA

[Denise]

Hi, planning a Camino trip for September 2012 and wondering where to start in terms of documents required. We are going to do a trip from Sarria to Santiago and have passports from the US. Will I need any other documents/visa? Any info will be greatly appreciated.
Denise

[HuskyNerd]

Hi Denise ~
Congrats on your Sept 2012 camino. Spain does not require a visa, so your US passport will get you into the country just fine. To stay in albergues (hostels) and receive a compostela (completion certificate) you'll need a credencial (pilgrim passport) that you'll have stamped at stops along the way. This official document is available at most albergues or you can arrange to have it sent to you through the American Pilgrims on the Camino American Pilgrims on the Camino for a small sum. Carry this and your US passport with you as you walk -- some albergues will require both for you to stay the night, and most hotels in Spain will require your US passport in order to check in.

Buen camino!

[Denise]

Than you so much! I have one other major question- I am flying from Miami USA & will be direct to Madrid, is there a train that goes to Sarria from there?
Thanks again,
Denise

[HuskyNerd]

Yes, there is a train from Madrid to Sarria. The Spanish train system is called Renfe and its website Renfe is notoriously difficult to use. You will find the Sarria train by typing in Madrid* as your origin and Lugo as your destination. When you press on the hyperlink for the resulting train schedules you'll see that Sarria is a stop on the Lugo line. Sept 2012 is a long way off, so you won't be able to make your reservation yet and it's a little early to predict exactly what the schedule will be on the day of your arrival in Spain.

You didn't ask, but there are also great train connections back to Madrid from Santiago. My preference is the night train that gets you into Madrid Atocha station first thing in the morning.

Buen camino!