On Thursday, March 12, 2026, a charter plane from Haiti carrying 120 Haitian passengers landed at Viracopos International Airport, southwest of Campinas (São Paulo State, Brazil).

Federal police opened an investigation into suspected migrant smuggling, stating that 118 of the 120 passengers had presented fake humanitarian visas upon arrival. Due to this procedural irregularity, the Haitians had to wait while the federal police reviewed their cases.

After being detained for more than 55 hours in the restricted area of ​​the terminal, the Haitian migrants were released to begin the process of regularizing their status and obtaining refugee status in Brazil.

The investigation also aims to identify those who may be responsible for falsifying documents and organizing the migrants' illegal journey.

According to the Federal Police, Viracopos Airport regularly receives charter flights from Haiti. There are approximately three flights per week, carrying nearly 600 passengers, but in most cases, immigrants arrive with valid documents, and cases of inadmissibility are isolated incidents.

Following this incident, the Federal Police decided to temporarily suspend all charter flights from Haiti to Brazil to allow the relevant authorities to conduct the necessary investigations, strengthen immigration controls, and ensure compliance with immigration laws and regulations.

Brazilian authorities inform the public that this suspension will remain in effect until further notice, while the situation is fully assessed and appropriate measures are implemented.

Travelers planning trips between Haiti and Brazil are strongly advised to consult the relevant authorities before making any travel arrangements.

S/ HaitiLibre