Suriname: Explore the Hidden Gems of South America's Emerald Paradise
Boasting some impressive natural attractions, Suriname’s green savannah is interrupted by verdant rainforests teeming with wildlife, while at least five mountain ranges tower above this mysterious land.
Suriname is commonly overlooked when it comes to top travel-destination lists, which is rather strange because, armed just with a little mosquito repellent and a handy Dutch dictionary, visitors can experience a veritable smorgasbord of extraordinary adventures in this exotic and largely unexplored land at the northern edge of the South American continent.
Suriname is popular with eco-tourists who come to marvel at the biodiversity of the pristine Amazonian rainforests along the Brazilian border. Two of the country’s most impressive protected wilderness areas are the UNESCO-listed Central Suriname Nature Reserve and the beautiful Brownsberg Nature Park.
The historic inner city of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Paramaribo contains beautiful colonial-era architecture and makes a great travel base. Take a walk in the Maagdenstraat and buy some handcrafted jewellery, or head to the Sunday flea market to pick up some souvenirs before enjoying a picture-perfect sunset with an ice-cold beer at the Waterkant (waterfront).
Having endured a torrid political history, Suriname has been ruled largely peacefully by a democratically-elected government since 1991. The Dutch heritage sets the country apart in South America and gives it a unique cultural flavour.
Travel to Suriname is usually trouble-free, but the usual precautions against urban crime should be taken in Paramaribo.
All in all, Suriname is delightfully unspoilt and a great off-the-beaten-track destination for adventurous travellers.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language is Dutch. The local creole language, Sranan Tongo, is also widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
Passports must be valid at least six months after travel and passengers must have an onward ticket. Visitors requiring visas but arriving from a country without Suriname representation can also usually obtain a visa on arrival, provided they have pre-approval. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The official currency is the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). Money can be exchanged at banks; the best currencies to change are Euros, US Dollars, or Pounds Sterling. Major international credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants. ATMs are available in towns and cities throughout the country.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current ranges between 110 volts and 230 volts, 60Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Health Notes when travelling to Suriname
Malaria medication is recommended for those visiting the provinces of Brokopondo and Sipaliwini, while others planning to eat outside restaurants and hotels may want to consider a vaccination for typhoid. There is a risk of yellow fever in Suriname, with travellers arriving from infected areas requiring proof of a yellow fever vaccination. Tap water shouldn’t be drunk unless it has first been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Medical facilities are extremely limited in Suriname and travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance. All required medications should be taken along in their original packaging and accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what they are and why they are needed.
Customs in Suriname
Local culture in Suriname is relaxed and friendly, but strictly patriarchal. Women are expected to dress conservatively. It is customary to greet a new acquaintance with a handshake and a good friend with a hug. It is polite to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. Ask permission before photographing government, military buildings or any landmark considered to be holy.
Duty Free in Suriname
Visitors to Suriname may import the following goods duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 20 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco; 1 litre of spirits, 4 litres of wine and 8 liters of beer; perfume for personal use; and other goods up to the value of USD 500.
Communication in Suriname
The international dialling code for Suriname is +597. Mobile coverage is adequate in towns and cities, but is limited in more remote areas of the interior. Internet cafes are available in major towns.
Passport/Visa Note
Passports must be valid at least six months after travel and passengers must have an onward ticket. Visitors requiring visas but arriving from a country without Suriname representation can also usually obtain a visa on arrival, provided they have pre-approval. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required for stays longer than 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. Visa exemptions apply to passengers travelling as tourists for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. British nationals travelling as tourists are visa exempt for 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Passengers travelling as tourists are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 2 months. They must have confirmation that the visa has been approved before they travel. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Passengers travelling as tourists are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. A visa is required. Passengers travelling as tourists are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond intended travel. Passengers travelling as tourists are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days. Passengers with a Persons of Surinamese Origin document are visa exempt.
Tourist Offices
Surinam Tourism Foundation, Paramaribo, Suriname: +597 42 4878 or [email protected]
Suriname Embassies
- In the United States:
Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, Washington, D.C., United States: + 202 629 4302
- In Canada:
Honorary Consulate of Suriname,Toronto, Canada: +1 416 321 9554
- In the United Kingdom:
Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Suriname, London, United Kingdom: +44 7768 196326
- In South Africa:
Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, Pretoria, South Africa: +021 346 7627
Foreign Embassies in Suriname
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Paramaribo, Suriname: 597 551 524
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Honorary Consulate, Paramaribo, Suriname: +597 424 575
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
