What is CADASTUR and why travelling with a registered agency matters
CADASTUR is the official register of tourism service providers in Brazil, kept by the Ministry of Tourism. When a travel agency has CADASTUR, it means the company is registered and authorised to operate within the law. For you as a traveller, the idea is simple: you are booking with a business that is formally responsible for the service, with a name, a CNPJ and a registration that can be checked. It is the difference between trusting a reputable company and taking a risk with someone operating informally.
Below, we explain what CADASTUR is, who must have it, and why it protects travellers, especially those aged 60 or over who value safety and peace of mind.
What is CADASTUR?
CADASTUR is the registration system for tourism service providers, run by the Ministry of Tourism. It is part of the Lei Geral do Turismo (General Tourism Law, Law No. 11.771 of 2008), which regulates tourism activity in the country.
In practice, the register brings together the businesses and professionals authorised to work in tourism. Each registered provider receives a number, which anyone can look up. It is a way for the public authorities to keep a reliable record of who genuinely works in the sector.
Who must have CADASTUR?
For some activities, registration is mandatory. These include:
- travel agencies
- accommodation providers, such as hotels and guesthouses
- tourist transport companies
- event organisers
- theme parks
- tourist campsites
- tour guides
In other words, a travel agency must, by law, be registered in order to operate. Other activities, such as restaurants and vehicle rental companies, can register on an optional basis.
Why does this protect you?
Travelling with a registered company brings concrete safeguards:
- you sign a contract and receive proof of payment
- the company has a CNPJ and is legally answerable for what it offers
- you are covered by the Código de Defesa do Consumidor (Consumer Protection Code)
- there is a clear route to resolve any issue
When a trip is organised by someone without registration, none of this is guaranteed. If something unexpected happens, there may be nobody to turn to. That is why CADASTUR is not just paperwork: it is your security.
How can you check whether an agency is registered?
You can check for yourself, and it is quick:
- go to the official CADASTUR website, cadastur.turismo.gov.br
- search by the company's name or CNPJ
- check that the registration is active
Another simple tip: reputable companies usually show their CADASTUR number in the website footer and in their materials. If you cannot find it, ask. A trustworthy agency answers straight away.
A registered company makes a difference when the unexpected happens
Many people only think about registration when something goes wrong. A well-organised trip rarely has major problems, but the unexpected does happen: a change of date, a health matter, an adjustment to the itinerary. With a registered company, there is a structure to deal with it and there is formal responsibility. That is what allows you to travel with peace of mind.
How Guatambu works
Guatambu Travel is a registered agency, with a guide and a travel agent accompanying the group from boarding to return. Trips are in small groups, on leito total coaches (fully reclining seats), with accommodation included. To book, we normally ask for a deposit of 10% of the trip price. The balance can be paid in one of two ways: in instalments up to the day of departure, or in one payment at boarding, by PIX (Brazil's instant payment system).
Everything is designed so that all you need to do is enjoy the trip, knowing you are in good hands.
Frequently asked questions
What does CADASTUR mean?
It is the official register of tourism service providers, kept by the Ministry of Tourism.
Does every travel agency need to have CADASTUR?
Yes. For travel agencies, registration is mandatory by law.
How do I know whether an agency is registered?
You can check free of charge on the official website, cadastur.turismo.gov.br, by searching for the name or CNPJ.
Do tour guides also need to be registered?
Yes. Tour guides are one of the categories for which registration is mandatory.
Is travelling with a registered agency more expensive?
It does not have to be. Registration is a matter of reliability and safety, not of price.
Before booking any trip, it is worth checking that the organiser is a registered company. It is the first step towards travelling with peace of mind. Discover our expeditions at /expedicoes and message us on WhatsApp with any questions. The world is waiting for you. We take care of the rest.
Cover image: JIP, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
