So you have been wanting to walk the Camino de Santiago for years and just when you were making plans, the pandemic hit. But now that you are vaccinated, you are ready to go again. And you wonder what precautions you should take, or what documents are required to walk the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You must be vaccinated
Anyone wishing to travel from an airport in Canada must be fully vaccinated.
Required documents
Your passport must be valid for 3 months after you return home. Canadians do not need a visa.
You will also need to bring COVID-19 related paperwork. At the time of writing, Canadians travelling to Spain need to show proof of vaccination, fill in a Health Control Form and are recommended to download a health app.
As these requirements change from time to time, please follow this link to find current requirements. Use the pencil icon at the top right to adjust the parameters (such as date of departure, destination, whether you make stopovers).
Do I need to wear a mask
Currently masks are mandatory in public in Spain
Should I stay in hostels or in private rooms
This is a matter of what you are comfortable with. There is a higher risk of COVID-19 infection in hostels due to the proximity of other guests, however, you are vaccinated so your risk will be lowered.
What other precautions can I take
Use the same precautions as you would at home.
wash your hands frequently (and moisturise them so you don't get skin infections)
don't touch your nose
don't share cutlery, plates or water bottles
practice physical distancing
wear a mask
choose ventilated spaces
cover your nose and mouth with your bent elbow when you sneeze or cough
stay put, get tested and isolate when you feel unwell
I have more questions
Consult my blog post Sixteen frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and travel and if after reading it you have more questions, feel free to contact me.
E&OE. The information in this article was correct at the time of publication (01NOV2021) but should be double-checked against relevant government websites before booking a trip.