Q: Do I need to wear a face mask walking the Camino?

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

Q: Where to get the Corona App for Spain?

Download the Spains Corona Warn application “Radar COVID”: Radar Covid App

Q: What do the signs at the Camino mean?

General signs along the Camino: Signs along the Camino de Santiago

Question 1

Do I need to wear a face mask walking the Camino?

Jan · Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

How do I book ahead hostels on the way?

Jan · Accepted Answer

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.
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.

Link to download on the Play Store (Android)

Link to download in App Store (iPhone)

Website:
Or on this webpage:
Find a Hostel by name or by city:

Question 3

What are the hygiene rules in the Hostels?

Jan · Accepted Answer

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.

Infographic Camino Covid-19 — Infographic Camino De Santiago COVID-19

Question 4

What are the COVID-19 recommendations?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Updates from the Spanish health authorities:

https://www.mscbs.gob.es/

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:

Question 5

Where to get the Corona App for France?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Download the Corona warn App for France:

Question 6

Where to get the Corona App for Spain?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Download the Spains Corona Warn application “Radar COVID”:

Question 7

What are the Emergency numbers?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Emergency Numbers on the Camino:

Law informant agencies app

Useful phone numbers in France: call 15 for medical advice or emergencies (call 114 for people having physical difficulties to speak or hear) and call 0 800 130 000 for information (24/7, free from a landline in France)

Question 8

Where do I find information on the "new normal" in Spain?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Information about Spains "new normal":
https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/

Question 9

Where can I find current travel advisories?

Jan · Accepted Answer

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/

Question 10

What do I need to pack due to the corona situation?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Packing for the Camino in Corona times:
Check out the following video or take a look at my pack list.

https://youtu.be/AonDq9D4Qg0

Question 11

Where do I register when I get to Spain?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Everyone needs to register upon entry in Galicia:
Galicien: https://coronavirus.sergas.gal/viaxeiros/Rexistro.aspx?ling=en

Question 12

What do the signs at the Camino mean?

Jan · Accepted Answer

General signs along the Camino:

Question 13

How long does it take to walk the Camino de Santiago?

Jan · Accepted Answer

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

The routes of the Camino de Santiago

Question 14

Where is the pilgrims' office in Santiago?

Jan · Accepted Answer

The Pilgrims' Office in Santiago:
https://oficinadelperegrino.com/en/contact-us/

Question 15

What is the longest Camino de Santiago route?

Jan · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

What is the shortest Camino de Santiago route?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Of the main routes to Santiago de Compostela, the shortest route is the Camino Finisterre with 118km, also the only round way, starting in Santiago de Compostela ending in Cape Finesterre / Muxia.

Of course you can start at any point along a route. Just remember, to be eligible for the Compostela, you need to walk the last 100km or 200km if you are going by bike or horse.

Question 17

Do I need a sleeping bag on the Camino de Santiago?

Jan · Accepted Answer

For the Camino de Santiago you will definitely need a sleeping bag for the hostels. It is not necessary to bring a camping mat and tent. Though given the new situation due to corona, it is a good idea to have an alternative, if all beds in the albergues are taken.

Question 18

What is the best month to walk the Camino de Santiago?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Depending on the route you chose there are certain times where it is nicer to walk then other times. But if you have the right gear for the weather, you can walk all routes pretty much all year.

Best time of year per route:

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

Question 19

How many Camino de Santiago routes are there?

Jan · Accepted Answer

There are 6 main routes, with the extension to Cape Finisterre as 7th. But there is a growing Network of routes all over Europe eventually joining those main routes.

Route	Pilgrims 2019	Start City	Length	Time required
Camino Frances	55%	Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France	783 Km	4-5 Weeks
Camino del Norte	5%	Irun, Spain	815 Km	5-6 Weeks
Camino Inglés	5%	Ferrol, Spain	122 Km	5-7 Days
Camino Portugues	27%	Porto, Portugal	232 Km	2 Weeks
Camino Primitivo	5%	Oviedo, Spain	321 Km	3 Weeks
Via de la Plata	3%	Sevilla, Spain	967 Km	6-7 Weeks
Camino a Finisterre	*	Santiago de Compostela, Spain	83 Km	3-4 Days

* The Camino Finisterre is often used as extension to one of the other routes. Also some people chose to walk to Muxia which brings it up to 118km.

Question 20

How difficult is the Camino de Santiago?

Jan · Accepted Answer

Walking the camino can be done by pretty much anyone. But there a some roads leading steep and rural areas, that make them harder then others.

Route	Pilgrims 2019	Start City	Length	Time required
Camino Frances	55%	Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France	783 Km	4-5 Weeks
Camino del Norte	5%	Irun, Spain	815 Km	5-6 Weeks
Camino Inglés	5%	Ferrol, Spain	122 Km	5-7 Days
Camino Portugues	27%	Porto, Portugal	232 Km	2 Weeks
Camino Primitivo	5%	Oviedo, Spain	321 Km	3 Weeks
Via de la Plata	3%	Sevilla, Spain	967 Km	6-7 Weeks
Camino a Finisterre	*	Santiago de Compostela, Spain	83 Km	3-4 Days

* The Camino Finisterre is often used as extension to one of the other routes.

Camino de Santiago and COVID-19

Questions and Answers

Do I need to wear a face mask walking the Camino?

Like this:

How do I book ahead hostels on the way?

Like this:

What are the hygiene rules in the Hostels?

Like this:

What are the COVID-19 recommendations?

Like this:

Where to get the Corona App for France?

Like this:

Where to get the Corona App for Spain?

Like this:

What are the Emergency numbers?

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Where do I find information on the “new normal” in Spain?

Like this:

Where can I find current travel advisories?

Like this:

What do I need to pack due to the corona situation?

Like this:

Where do I register when I get to Spain?

Like this:

What do the signs at the Camino mean?

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How long does it take to walk the Camino de Santiago?

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Where is the pilgrims’ office in Santiago?

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What is the longest Camino de Santiago route?

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