Last updated on 09/29/2023
Some general and COVID-19 related questions and answers around the Camino de Santiago.
This is a list of excerpts and links from many sources. Trying to consolidate the most current and relevant information in one short list.
Questions and Answers
A face mask is required:
On June 9th the Royal Decree-Law 21/2020 PDF, on urgent prevention, containment and coordination measures to face the health crisis caused by COVID-19, has made the use of masks for people over 6 years of age mandatory. In any situation where it is not possible to maintain an interpersonal safety distance of at least 1.5 meters and in any means of transportation a mask covering the nose and mouth is required. Regulations may vary depending on the local regulations. In some places, a mask needs to even be worn outside on the Camino.
A mask should be worn a max of 7 hours and then replaced.
You can find out about which mask you should use in this Guide of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs
A list of open hostels and how to book them.
A list of Hostels and their status can be found here:
https://www.caminosantiago.org/
It is recommended to book a hostel ahead of time, since the number of beds is limited. You can find and/or book a hostel using the following Apps/Sites:
Website:
https://alberguesxacobeo.gal/en/
App:
During the health crisis, the hostels on the Camino de Santiago can modify their offer of places to adapt to the different regulations, vary their opening date or even remain closed.Â
Up-to-date information on these issues can be found in the “Camino de Santiago” mobile phone application:


information of a cultural and practical nature on each of the stages (hostels, monuments, etc.) as well as a complete Pilgrim’s Guide that details what you should know before starting any of the Paths.Â
Website:
Or on this webpage:
Find a Hostel by name or by city:
Â
ALBERGUE ADMISSION PROTOCOL
1. You Will have to wait in the street for the hospitaleros to indicate that you can enter the premises.
2. Body temperature will be taken after a short moment of rest.
If a pilgrim has a temperature above 37.5 degrees (External Health Protocol) and/or has symptoms compatible with Covid19, the Health authorities will be called.
3. Hands will be cleaned with hydroalcoholic gel (sanitizer) and a carpet with disinfectant will be stepped on.
4. The albergue will be accessed with a mask that must be worn at all times.
5. Upon arrival, a plastic bag/sack will be given to put backpacks and belongings.
6. The boots will be left in a place enabled for this purpose.
7. Pilgrims will be accommodated according to the rules of social distancing and will only be able to use the place assigned to them.
8. The common areas are also subject to the physical distancing rules.
9. These rules are mandatory to stay overnight in this albergue.


Updates from the Spanish health authorities:
From July 1, 2020, if you fly to Spain from other countries, it is mandatory to fill out the Health Control Form (FCS) associated with your trip to present it at the Health Control of the airport of arrival in Spain.
A Infographic with general suggestions:


As the recommendations change almost daily, it is a good idea to check your local travel restrictions before you start.
Websites with local travel advisories:
Australia:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
UK:
https://www.gov.uk/
New Zeeland:
https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
Austria
http://www.bmeia.gv.at/reise-aufenthalt/reiseinformation/laender/
Belgium
http://diplomatie.belgium.be/
Bulgaria
http://www.mfa.bg/
Croatia
http://www.mvep.hr/
Cyprus
http://www.mfa.gov.cy/
Czech Republic
http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/
Denmark
http://um.dk/
Estonia
http://www.vm.ee/
Finland
http://formin.finland.fi/
France
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/
Germany
https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/
https://www.rki.de/
Greece
http://www.mfa.gr/
Hungary
http://www.kormany.hu/en/ministry-of-foreign-affairs-and-trade
Ireland
https://www.dfa.ie/
Italy
http://www.esteri.it/mae/it/
Latvia
http://www.mfa.gov.lv/
Lithuania
http://www.urm.lt/
Luxembourg
http://www.gouvernement.lu/maee
Malta
http://foreignaffairs.gov.mt/
Netherlands
https://www.government.nl/ministries/ministry-of-foreign-affairs
Poland
http://www.msz.gov.pl/
Portugal
http://www.portugal.gov.pt/
Romania
http://www.mae.ro/
Slovakia
http://www.foreign.gov.sk/
Slovenia
http://www.mzz.gov.si/
Spain
http://exteriores.gob.es/
Sweden
http://www.regeringen.se/sveriges-regering/utrikesdepartementet/
US:
https://travel.state.gov
Canada:
https://travel.gc.ca/
Packing for the Camino in Corona times:
Check out the following video or take a look at my pack list.
Everyone needs to register upon entry in Galicia:
Galicien: https://coronavirus.sergas.gal/viaxeiros/Rexistro.aspx?ling=en
Estimates of time required to walk the different routes of The Camino de Santiago:
Camino Frances | 783 Km | 4-5 Weeks |
Camino del Norte | 815 Km | 5-6 Weeks |
Camino Inglés | 122 Km | 5-7 Days |
Camino Portugues | 232 Km | 2 Weeks |
Camino Primitivo | 321 Km | 3 Weeks |
Via de la Plata | 967 Km | 6-7 Weeks |
Camino a Finisterre | 83 Km | 3-4 Days |
Looking at the main routes to Santiago de Compostela, the Via de la Plata, with around 970km, is the longest out of this network of routes.
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