Surinam

Översikt

Capital: Paramaribo (pop. 239,000)
Population: 639,850 (2025 est.)
Religions: Protestant 23.6% (includes Evangelical, Moravian, Reformed, Lutheran), Hindu 22.3%, Roman Catholic 21.6%, Muslim 13.8%, other Christian 3.2%, Winti 1.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%
Languages: Dutch, English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo
Time Zone: UTC-3
Driving side: Left
Calling code: +597
Electrical plug(s): Type C and Type F

Pengar

The local currency in Suriname is Surinamese dollars (SRD). As of 6 October 2026 100 SRD is equal to 2.65 USD. In addition to the local currency, EUR and USD may be accepted for payment in some places.

Currency exchange can be done at banks and exchange offices.

Travellers should be prepared to use credit or debit card payments in urban areas and cash in rural areas. Credit cards are accepted in some establishments but cash remains the preferred payment method in rural parts of the country. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Bargaining is also common on handicraft markets.

Customers are expected to leave a 10% tip at restaurants, if a service charge has not already been added. Rounding up cab fare is appropriate.

El

The power supply in Suriname is reliable. Electricity operates on 127V at 60Hz using plug type(s) C and F.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Suriname. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.

Visum

Travellers may qualify for a visa waiver, however this requires the completion of a security check or travel authorisation prior to departure. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Waivers

Entry Waiver: Select foreign nationals may enter Suriname for up to 90 days for tourism purposes or family visits. An entry fee must be paid online prior to arrival.

Visas

Entry Visa: Foreign nationals from select countries must obtain an entry visa to enter Suriname. Authorities did not specify the maximum duration of stay.

Lokal resor

Overview

Johan Adolf Pengel (JAP) International Airport (PBM/SMJP), located 45km (28 miles) south of Paramaribo in Zanderij, Para district, is the main entry point for travellers and air travel is overall considered safe. Located more centrally in the city centre of Paramaribo lies two smaller international airports that exclusively operate regional flights to Guyana, Zorg en Hoop Airport (ORG/SMZO) and the newly built Eduard Alexander Gummels International Airport (EAX/SMEG). EAX Airport soon plans to expand operations to French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean and South American destinations.

Poorly maintained roads and a lack of street lighting and road services, particularly in the interior, make travelling in Suriname dangerous. Lawlessness and banditry occur in the cities of Moengo and Albina and along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina; opt for an experienced tour guide and rental vehicle with a full set of spare tires for travel to the interior.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

Johan Adolf Pengel (JAP) International Airport (PBM/SMJP) or Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport, is located in Zanderij, 45km (28 miles) south of Paramaribo. The airport serves as a hub for Surinam Airways, with Caribbean Airlines, Copa Airlines, GOL and KLM also operating at the airport.

Located more centrally in the city centre of Paramaribo lies two smaller international airports that exclusively operate regional flights to Guyana, Zorg en Hoop Airport (ORG/SMZO) and the newly built Eduard Alexander Gummels International Airport (EAX/SMEG). EAX Airport soon plans to expand operations to French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean and South American destinations.

All air carriers certified in Suriname are not currently permitted to fly to and from the European Union (EU) due to failure to adhere to international safety standards. The Paramaribo-Amsterdam route served by Suriname Airways is not affected by the ban due to the use of diversified air operators.

Airspace

Flights to and from Haiti are banned until further notice, with the exception of Surinamese residents and workers who have received prior approval to travel from Surinamese authorities.

Borders and Entry

Visa bans: The government of Suriname is currently not issuing visas to nationals of Haiti. Exemptions based on residency, essential work or family relations are in place.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Suriname. The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" may be denied entry. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate to confirm if entry is allowed with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral". The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Suriname might face legal and social difficulties.

Required Documents

Travel (PLF): All travellers are required to fill out an ICF form for entering and departing the country. The form must be filled out at least three days before the entry and departure date. Document link: https://icf.sr/start-general/

Exit

All travellers are required to fill out an ICF form for entering and departing the country. The form must be filled out at least three days before the entry and departure date.

Road Travel

Traffic in Suriname moves on the left. Poorly maintained roads and a lack of street lighting and road services, particularly in the interior, make travelling in Suriname dangerous. Roads in the interior are maintained dirt roads; road conditions may become poor in the rainy season. The East-West Highway, which stretches from Nieuw Nickerie in the west to Albina in the east along the coast, is in decent condition but is known to have many large potholes. Poor lighting and lack of signs make nighttime driving along the East-West Highway dangerous. Furthermore, oftentimes the highway encounters slow-moving farm traffic and animal crossings, therefore it is important for drivers to be alert.

If travelling to the interior of the country, you could be subject to banditry, and it is important to hire an experienced tour guide.

Make sure to lock all doors and keep windows up. Do not leave anything visible or unattended in a parked car.

Public Transport

Buses: The bus service connects urban centres with many villages, but buses are often very crowded. It is best to avoid riding on public minibuses. Driving conditions and road and vehicle maintenance are poor. Bus stops have minimal security presence, so exercise caution when waiting at bus stops.

Taxis: Taxi prices are not fixed and should be negotiated before entering the vehicle. Using unofficial taxis is dangerous, and robberies have been reported. Taxis in urban centres are not metered, so prices should be negotiated before closing the door. Consider using only taxis from reputable companies or hotels. Taxis may be hard to find after dark, on Sundays, or holidays.

Vehicle Hire: Visitors with rental cars are advised to carry a full set of spare tires.