How to Enter Suriname
Do I need a passport or visa to enter?
On November 25, 2011, the Government of Suriname introduced a “Tourist Card” in addition to the existing visa types. The “Tourist Card” allows U.S. passport holders one entry to the Republic of Suriname for tourist purposes. The “Tourist Card” costs $25.00 (U.S.) and can be purchased at the port of entry in Suriname (Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport). The traveler must present a passport valid for at least six months and a return ticket. The validity of the “Tourist Card” is 90 days starting from the date of entry.For purposes other than tourism, a U.S. citizen must have a valid U.S. passport, valid Surinamese visa and, if traveling by air, a return ticket. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival in Suriname. A business visa requires a letter from the sponsoring company detailing the reason for the visit. An airport departure charge and a terminal fee are normally included in the price of airfare. Travelers arriving from Guyana, French Guiana, and Brazil are required to show proof of a yellow fever vaccination. For further information, you may contact the Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 460, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 244-7488/7592, or the Consulate of Suriname in Miami, 6303 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 325, Miami, Fl 33126, telephone (305) 265-4655/4918. Visit the Embassy of Suriname website for the most current visa information.
Important information for travelers who have the intention of staying longer than three months: As of October 1, 2008, persons who intend to stay longer than three months must apply for an Authorization for Temporary Stay (MVK) before traveling to Suriname. The above implies that travelers (with the exception of those of Surinamese origin) who have traveled to Suriname on a tourist or business visa will not be able to apply for residence during their stay in Suriname. For more information on applying for a temporary stay in Suriname, please visit the Embassy of Suriname website.
Special Travel Circumstances in Suriname
Credit cards are not widely accepted outside the major hotels and upscale restaurants. You should contact your intended hotel or tour company to confirm that credit cards are accepted. Currently, only one bank, the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (RBTT), has Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) that accept foreign ATM cards. In order to withdraw money from the ATM machines of other banks, you must have a local Surinamese bank account and ATM card. You can legally exchange currency at banks, hotels, and official exchange houses, which are called “cambios.” Exchanging money outside of these locations is illegal and can be dangerous. Telephone and internet service within Suriname can be problematic, especially during periods of heavy rains.
Travel in the interior: The interior of the country is largely unpoliced, and emergency services are generally not available. Although Suriname has three cellular networks, Telesur, Digicel, and Uniqa, there is no reliable cellular phone reception in much of the interior. There may be areas where only one network has reception, while other areas are covered by other networks.
Disclaimer
You are responsible for ensuring that you meet and comply with foreign entry requirements, health requirements and that you possess the appropriate travel documents. Information provided is subject to change without notice. One should confirm content prior to traveling from other reliable sources. Information published on this website may contain errors. You travel at your own risk and no warranties or guarantees are provided by us.