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Visit the Guianans 9 Travel information Suriname

Travel information for Suriname

Suriname, greenest country on earth!

Suriname is the greenest country on earth. It is covered with 93% of pristine Amazon rainforest. Thanks to the fact that since the seventies nature reserves were installed by the government. In 1998 the biggest nature reserve (1,6 million ha.), named Central Suriname Nature Reserve (CSNR) was installed and therefore placed on the Unesco World Heritage site.

The Republic of Suriname is the smallest sovereign state in South America. It has an estimated population of 500,000. The country’s name is believed to be derived from a Taino group called Surinen, who first inhabited the region. Suriname is bordered by French Guyana to the east, Guyana to the west, Brazil to the south, and the Atlantic coast to the north. The capital of Suriname is Paramaribo, located on the banks of Suriname River and is the biggest city with an estimated population of 250,000. Suriname is famous for its historic inner city of Paramaribo was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. The currency of Suriname is since 2004, the Suriname dollar (SRD). The largest ethnic group in Suriname is the Hindustani, that constitutes 37% of the population, followed by Creole community (31%), Javanese (15%), Maroons (10%), and Amerindians (2%). The official language of Suriname is Dutch bus also has many recognized regional languages such as Sranan Tongo, Hindi, Javanese, Mandarin, etc. In total 21 languages are spoken in Suriname. Suriname has many religious and ethnic groups and the constitution provides for freedom of religion. Overall, 40.7% of the population is Christian, 20% is Hindu, 13.5% is Muslim, while 3.3% follow indigenous religions. In Suriname, you drive at the left side of the road, one of the remains of English colonialism.

Table of contents

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VISAS
HEALTH & VACCINATION CARD
TRAVEL AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE
EMERGENCY
ANIMALS IN SURINAME
WEATHER
MONEY MATTERS
NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND VISAS

You need a valid travel document and passport for all your trips abroad!

In addition, you also need a visa for certain countries. More information about travel documents and visas for Suriname can be obtained from the embassy of Suriname in The Hague. Check which documents you need and which requirements they have to meet.

Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Suriname.
Your passport must have at least 2 blank pages for a visa and stamps
You must be able to show a return ticket

E-Tourist card or E-Visa for Suriname?

To enter Suriname, an E-Tourist Card or E-Visa is required. What is the difference?

The E-Tourist card is exclusively intended for tourist purposes, holidays, and family visits. If you want to travel to Suriname once, a tourist card is sufficient and you do not need to apply for an E-visa. You can request an E-Tourist Card online.

If you visit Suriname multiple times during the same trip, you need to apply for a visa (and not a tourist card). You can apply for a Visa (tourist visa) for 2 months or 3 years. You can only apply for a visa online.

If you go to Suriname for a business you must apply for a business visa online.

Tourist card on paper

It is no longer possible (from 1 August 2019) to receive a tourist card on paper upon arrival at the airport in Suriname. Since 19 October 2019, it is also no longer possible to purchase a tourist card on paper at Schiphol, travel agencies, and also not at the border countries.

E-Tourist card to Suriname

Are you planning to visit Suriname once (1 entry only) for holiday purposes, then you need an E-Tourist card.

The costs for the Online tourist card are USD 40 + USD 14 service fee.

You can request your E-Tourist card in 3 steps:

Step 1: Provide your application details and upload the necessary documents.

Step 2: Pay online.

Step 3: Download the approved e-Tourist card.

To apply for an E-Tourist card you must have the following documents:

Original Dutch passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months on the day of arrival in Suriname. At least 1 empty visa pages.
1 recent official color passport photo of 3 x 4 cm.
Tickets or booking confirmation that you will leave Suriname in time.
Address and telephone number of your stay in Suriname.

Below you will find the links for the E-Tourist card. The page also contains the necessary instructions.

E-Tourist card application link:

https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/information

https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/e-tourist-card

https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/how-to-apply-for-e-tourist-card

TIP: Start filling in the forms on time, a lot of information is requested!

Duration of the procedure

The procedure and processing for the E-Tourist card take approximately 72 hours. Take into account national holidays and closing days. If your application is being processed for more than 5 working days, please contact us at https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/contact-us

TAKE NOTE:

As a traveler, you are responsible for having the correct travel documents. Pejego Tours and our local representation cannot be held responsible or liable for travelers who are not in possession of the mandatory travel document: a valid passport and valid visa.

E-visa to travel to Suriname

If you plan to visit the border countries during your visit to Suriname (for example with the Kaieteur falls (Guyana)), you need to buy a Multiple Entrance Visa (tourist visa for multiple entries) and not a E-Tourist card.

Costs online E-visa to Suriname: USD 45 + USD 14 service fee.

You can apply for a visa in 3 steps:

step 1: Choose visa type

step 2: Upload the application form and documents, E visa form for Suriname, via VFS Global.

step 3: Payment

To apply for a Multi Entry visa you must have the following documents:

Original Dutch passport, valid for a minimum of 6 months on the day of arrival in Suriname. At least 1 empty visa pages.
1 recent official color passport photo of 3 x 4 cm.
Tickets or booking confirmation that you will leave Suriname in time.
Address and telephone number of your stay in Suriname.

Below you will find the links for the e-visa:

https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/information

https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/index

https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/how-to-apply

Duration of the procedure

The procedure and processing for the e-visa and e-tourist card takes approximately 72 hours. Take into account national holidays and closing days. If your application is being processed for more than 5 working days, please contact us at https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/contact-us

Take note:

TRAVEL AND CANCELLATION INSURANCE

Travel organizations are obliged to provide assistance and assistance to the traveler in need. However, this is severely hampered if there is no need to fall back on the assistance of a standard included in the travel insurance included S.O.S. Alarm center. You are therefore obliged to take out valid travel insurance and carry proof of this during the trip.

We also recommend that you take a cancellation insurance. Cancellation insurance is best done within 5-7 working days after booking (as already mentioned in the email booking confirmation). If you do it later, an insurance company can exclude existing situations.

For good advice on travel insurance, we refer you to an insurance company or an intermediary. Make sure that in the travel insurance, accidents (an SOS emergency service) and medical costs are insured, health insurers often exclude all kinds of medical expenses abroad.

Make sure you check with your insurance the duration of your trip and the type of activities and whether this insurance is sufficiently in line with your other insurance policies. The liability of Pejego Tours Travel is excluded for all cases where the mandatory travel, medical expenses, and cancellation insurance policies provide cover.

Ask for Travel and booking conditions. In the event of a change or cancellation of flight tickets, the conditions of the relevant airline apply.

HEALTH & VACCINATION CARD

For a visit to Suriname, it is advisable to get one or more vaccinations before you arrive. Check this out with your Tropical doctor

VACCINATION CARD (also read Yellow Fever FAQs)

As of November 4, 2016, the control will be conducted by the Immigration officers at all border crossings, ports and international airports in Suriname. Travelers who are not vaccinated against yellow fever will be refused entry to the country

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers coming from – or transiting – a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Vaccination must be undertaken at least 10 days prior to travel to Suriname. Suriname recognizes the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is valid for life starting 10 days after vaccination. A vaccination certificate is required for children over 1 year of age. Travelers should carry their vaccination card with them at all times while traveling in Suriname.

In response to the yellow fever epidemic in Africa, the Ministry of Health in Suriname has announced that control of yellow fever vaccination will be increased for travelers from yellow fever risk regions:

AFRICA: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, C6te d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, South Sudan, Togo and Uganda.

SOUTH AMERICA: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela.

DENGUE

There is a risk of dengue in Suriname. Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dawn and dusk. It causes a flu-like illness, which can occasionally develop into a more serious life-threatening form of the disease. Severe dengue is rare in travelers. The mosquitoes that transmit dengue are most abundant in towns, cities and surrounding areas.

Prevention

All travelers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly between dawn and dusk. There is currently no medication or vaccination available for travelers to prevent dengue.

ZIKA VIRUS

Suriname is considered to have a moderate risk of Zika virus transmission. Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel until after the pregnancy. Zika virus (ZIKV) is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dawn and dusk. A small number of cases of sexual transmission of ZIKV have also been reported. Most people infected with ZIKV have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur they are usually mild and short-lived. Serious complications and deaths are not common. However, there is now a scientific consensus that Zika virus is a cause of congenital Zika syndrome (microcephaly and other congenital anomalies) and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Prevention

All travelers should avoid mosquito bites, particularly between dawn and dusk.
There is no vaccination or medication to prevent ZIKV infection.
It is recommended that pregnant women planning to travel to areas with a moderate risk of ZIKV transmission should consider postponing non-essential travel until after pregnancy.
Women should avoid becoming pregnant while traveling in, and for 8 weeks after leaving an area with active ZIKV transmission or 8 weeks after last possible ZIKV exposure.
Couples should follow guidance on prevention of sexual transmission of Zika and avoid conception while traveling and for up to 6 months on return.
If a woman develops symptoms compatible with ZIKV infection, it is recommended she avoids becoming pregnant for a further 8 weeks following symptom onset.
Pregnant women who visited this country while pregnant, or who become pregnant within 8 weeks of leaving this country, or within 8 weeks after last possible ZIKV exposure, should contact their GP, obstetrician or midwife for further advice, even if they have not been unwell.
Further information about when to perform fetus ultrasound scanning, and, if necessary, referral to the local fetus medicine service is available.

DRUGS

Drugs are illegal in Suriname. If you are caught with drugs, you end up in prison. No difference is made between personal use and distribution. Never take a package for someone across the border uncontrollably. You can put small locks on your luggage or have your luggage sealed in plastic at the airport.

CRIME

In Suriname (violent) crime occurs. Often these are incidents and the violence is not specifically directed against tourists. Criminals often use firearms or cutting knives.

For your safety, take the following precautions:

Avoid remote areas such as quiet streets and quiet parks;
Do not just go out on the street at night. This is especially true outside the entertainment center in Paramaribo. The entertainment center is located near the Torarica hotel;
do not wear striking jewelry;
carry other valuables inconspicuously with you or leave them at your hotel or guest house;
do not lose sight of your belongings.

More info: https://www.nederlandwereldwijd.nl/reizen/reisadviezen/suriname

EMERGENCY

Do you need help immediately in Suriname? Call the emergency number: +597 115 (police), +597 113 (ambulance), +597 110 (in case of fire)

FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR US CITIZENS ONLY!

Phone: (597) 556-700
After 4 PM or on holidays or weekends: Phone: (597) 710-1112

In an emergency (death, arrest, victims of violent crime) involving an American citizen living or traveling in Suriname and French Guiana, you can reach us 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Calling within Suriname
-During normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please call 556-700
-Outside the normal business hours, weekends or holidays, please call the Embassy Duty Officer 710-1112.

Calling from the United States
-During normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please call 011-597-556-700
-Outside the normal business hours, weekends or holidays, please call the Embassy Duty Officer 011-597-710-1112.

Calling from French Guiana
-During normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Please call 00-597-556-700
-Outside the normal business hours, weekends or holidays, please call the Embassy Duty Officer 00-597-710-1112.

Note: These telephone numbers are to be used for emergency-related matters concerning American Citizens in distress only.

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Paramaribo.

Address: Van Roseveltkade 5, Paramaribo
Phone: +597 477211
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Email: prm@minbuza.nl
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday: 7.30 – 15.30 hrs. Friday: 7.30 – 14.00 hrs.
PS: CLOSED ON DUTCH AND SURINAMESE NATIONAL HOLIDAYS.

ANIMALS IN SURINAME

Suriname is an adventurous destination. Imagine in advance that things do not always go as you are used to in your own country. In the rainforest as well as in places like Paramaribo you bump into animals that you can only see in a terrarium or zoo in your hometown. Do not let this put you off, but know that in addition to cute animals such as sloth, turtles and flamingos also snakes, caimans, spiders, and other insects occur in Suriname. Use your common sense when you meet a tropical surprise. Because you often do not know whether it is a friendly or poisonous spider, you always have to be vigilant. The adventure, the jungle, and the wildlife, that is exactly why you go to Suriname. Some practical tips for when traveling through Suriname:

Always listen to the guide. For example, he tells you where it is safe to swim (or not) and how you can safely walk through the jungle.
Keep your flashlight on hand when it is dark. Always shine and look on the floor when you walk in the dark (and thus before you get out of your bed/hammock!).
Check your walking shoes before putting your foot in it. Maybe somebody got in …

WEATHER

Suriname has a tropical climate and has two seasons: the rain and dry season.

Large dry season: from August to November
Small wet season: November to mid-February
Small dry season: February to mid-April
Large wet season: from mid-April to mid-August

There are no large temperature differences throughout the year, usually, the mercury fluctuates around 25-30 degrees Celsius. It also rains during the dry season. But in the dry season, a shower is usually limited to a certain period of the day, it is often possible to wait for the rain. In the rainy season, it can sometimes occur that it rains all day. Hiking trails can be smoother and harder to walk due to rain, so make sure that shoes with a good profile and clothing can have some mud. It is also possible that roads are badly accessible due to rain and flooding so that the driver opts for a different, safe route. Around 6 o’clock in the morning, it is light and around 6 o’clock in the evening, the sun goes down. In the morning it is pleasantly cool and you have the best chance of clear weather. So you get the most out of your day by leaving early, on an average travel day you leave at 8 o’clock.

MONEY MATTERS

The national currency is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). For everyday life on the street, it is important to have enough smaller denominations with you. Keep this in a separate wallet, so that you do not always show your full power. The price of the SRD fluctuates considerably. As of November 218, € 1 is almost 8 SRD. For example, see http://www.valuta.nl for the most recent price.

Banks

The cashier’s banks are open from Monday to Friday between 8:00-14:00. The banks are closed on weekends and national holidays.

Debit and credit card

In the larger towns, there are enough banks that have an ATM (ATM). Make sure you take enough time in these places for a few days. Make sure your debit card is ‘active’ with your bank for use abroad! To prevent phishing, all banks have issued debit cards for use abroad.

A credit card is not often used in Suriname, except for larger hotels. Make sure you always have cash with you. You can use your credit card (take into account relatively high transaction costs and this does NOT work at every ATM) or if necessary withdraw money from a bank if there is no cash machine. It is wise to have a credit card with you, if only for emergencies. For a bank transaction with your world pass more than € 2 will be charged and with your credit card over € 4.(MAKE SURE THAT YOUR WORLD PASS IS ON)

HOLIDAYS

Due to the large diversity of cultural backgrounds in Suriname, the country has a large number of holidays. Hindu and Islamic holidays do not have a fixed date when they are celebrated. Sometimes even the department that sells Tourist card is closed on Schiphol airport. Banks and government agencies, schools, shops or closed on these national holidays. Before leaving, always check whether there are holidays planned during your travel period.

New Year: January 1st
Chinese New Year: February / March **
Day of Liberation and Renewal: February 25
Holi Phagwa: March**
Good Friday: March / April**
Eastern: March / April **
Labor Day: May 1st
Keti Koti Dey/end of slavery: July 1st
Idul Fitr (end of Ramadan): June **
Day of the Natives: August 09
Idul Adha: August **
Day of Maroons: October 10
Divali: October 30
Independence Day: November 25
Christmas: December 25 & 26

**= Exact date changes every year