Suriname is a country in South America that has every chance to become an attractive tourist destination, because it has a fantastic nature and an attractive colorful culture. Find out which entry rules are relevant in 2024 and what to see for a traveler in Suriname

Travelers planning a vacation in South America do not often pay attention to Suriname. However, this small state is a hidden gem of the American continent, because it is rich in nature and culture. A mixture of African, Dutch, British, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese and Native American Indian populations have created a unique place. The nature of Suriname is a real treasure, because 93% of the surface of Suriname is covered with jungle, a tropical forest that is part of the Amazon.

About the peculiarities of traveling to Suriname, the rules of entry and the main attractions of the country further in our material.

What visa or travel document do I need to travel to Suriname in South America?

In order to enter Suriname for tourist purposes, foreign nationals must obtain proof of payment of the entry fee. This replaces the previous travel documents, the Suriname Tourist Card and the Suriname eVisa.

From July 1, 2022, travelers must present this document upon arrival in Suriname. Passengers must pay this fee to enter the country through Johann Adolf Pengel Airport, French Guiana or Guyana.

You can pay the fee in advance online. The voucher will be emailed to you once you have completed the form and attached all the necessary travel documents. When you arrive at the airport, you must present it to the immigration officers.

If you need a long-term Suriname visa or other travel document, contact your nearest embassy or consulate.

List of documents for obtaining entry to Suriname

1. A valid identity document, for example, a passport.

2. Return ticket.

3. Confirmation of a valid electronic tourist card or electronic visa.

Persons traveling for the purpose of tourism must apply for an E-TOURIST or E-VISA online through VFS Global Suriname's online APP.

The received valid entry fee voucher must be presented at the check-in desk of the airline upon departure.

4. Confirmation of yellow fever vaccination

Travelers who arrive within 6 (six) days after leaving or transiting from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission must present a certificate of vaccination against the disease.

The yellow fever certificate must be issued at least 10 (ten) days before arrival in Suriname. Residents of Suriname and diplomats accredited to Suriname are exempt from this requirement.

Who is exempt from paying the entry fee to Suriname?

An entrance fee is required for anyone visiting Suriname, however some visitors are exempt from paying the fee:

- Vatican passport holders.

- Holders of passports of Caribbean countries.

- Those who have diplomatic passports.

- Those who have a UN pass.

- Those who have a PSA document or PSA card.

- Surinamese visa holders.

- Residents or citizens of Suriname.

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Is Suriname safe to travel?

Suriname is a completely safe country to travel to. For example, the US State Department currently advises US citizens to take the usual precautions in Suriname.

Major problems include burglaries, armed robberies and home invasions. So as a safety precaution, avoid wearing expensive jewelry and don't display large sums of money in public. Do not walk alone at night, especially in the immediate vicinity of large tourist hotels. Avoid the Palm Garden area ("Palmentuin" in Dutch) after dark.

How to get to Suriname?

Daily flights to Suriname fly from the USA and European countries. You can also get here by bus or car from neighboring Guyana and French Guiana. There is also a river ferry between Suriname and Guyana.

If you are traveling with an animal, take care of veterinary control, the presence of a chip and an international health certificate.

Movement within the country

The most popular types of public transport in Suriname are buses. Tourists can also rent a car or move on their own, as well as rent a boat with a guide.

If you are going to use a car, you must have an international driver's license with you. Persons under the age of 20 are prohibited from driving.

It is also worth considering the peculiarities of this country, such as left-hand traffic, a large number of dirt roads, and in some places the absence of traffic lanes.

Currency in Suriname

The national currency of Suriname is Surinamese dollars, but most shops and service establishments freely accept US dollars and other popular world currencies, sometimes with an additional fee. Money in Suriname is quite easy to convert, but it will be difficult to get rid of it outside its borders, except in neighboring countries.

Credit card payments in stores are rare, ATMs are available in large cities.

What to see in Suriname?

Paramaribo

Paramaribo is the capital of Suriname, the population of the city is 240,000. Most people who visit Suriname start their trip with a hotel stay in Paramaribo. This is where you will experience the culture of Suriname for the first time.

From the neat rows of wooden houses to the equally neat patches of lawn that adorn the home's exterior, you can see the Dutch influence on this capital city in almost every detail. For extra colonial charm, head to the center of Paramaribo.

Paramaribo is a fascinating eclectic capital that impresses, because here synagogues stand next to mosques, next to Hindu temples and Christian churches.

To experience the country's culture and buy souvenirs, head to the local market.

Brownsberg Nature Park

Braunsberg Park is a place where many primates live among 1,500 plant species. The loudest of them are howlers. Follow the sound and maybe you will be able to see them. If you don't manage to meet the locals, the surrounding landscapes guarantee that your day will be wonderful.

Pick a trail and head to one of four waterfalls to cool off in the spray. Or hike up to the observation deck at the top of Marazoni for panoramic views of the jungle and clear blue lakes.

Plantations in Kommewein

Commewain's colonial houses, named after the vast river on which it sits, preserve its history.

Visit the abandoned wooden buildings that were once powerful plantations here to understand the sad history of the sugar plantations and learn how the cocoa and coffee factories once worked.

Next, head to the confluence of the Commewijn and Suriname rivers, where you'll find Fort New Amsterdam. This polygonal fortress played a significant role in the past as it was built to protect the fields from attack.

Mount Volzberg

The 240-meter high Volzberg peak is best climbed at sunrise. On the way up, expect to see birds as well as many species of monkeys. After about four hours, you will find yourself at the top of a giant granite monolith. Here you can enjoy the view of dark green treetops. On the way back, be sure to stop by the numerous waterfalls.

Watch the turtles

Watching these slow, gentle giants nest to lay their eggs in the warm sands that lap the Atlantic Ocean is a sight that will stay with you forever. To do this, go to Matapika Beach.

Another hot spot worth visiting is the turtle sanctuary at Galibi Nature Park.

Tips for tourists planning a trip to Suriname

In Suriname, there are many customs and orders that tourists, due to ignorance, can violate and thereby offend or annoy the local residents, or cause trouble. Here are some rules that will help you not to get into such a situation:

- It is not customary to wear revealing clothes here, it is desirable that the shoulders and knees are covered. You should also not show off your romantic relationships.

- Do not photograph local residents without their consent. Before taking pictures of beautiful places and attractions, find out if it is allowed.

- In Suriname, tourists are not allowed to call strangers, and even more so elderly people by name, even if you hear that another person is doing it.

- Suriname is most often visited by representatives of Haiti, Canada, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Suriname is a fabulous pearl of South America, about which not much is known to tourists. Therefore, when choosing a country for a future trip, be sure to pay attention to this tourist gem.

We will remind you! If you're looking for new travel experiences, Latin America should definitely be on your bucket list. Thanks to its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty and colorful cuisine, this continent attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. However, safety is the most important criterion when choosing a travel destination. We talked about the safest countries in South America in detail in this article.

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