{"slug":"suriname","title":"Suriname travel advice","updated_at":"2025-12-10T12:41:46+00:00","reviewed_at":"2025-12-10T12:41:46Z","change_description":"New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/suriname","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Suriname’s current rules for the most common types of travel.</p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Suriname set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk\">Surinamese Embassy in Paris, France</a>.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements </h2>\n\n<p>To enter Suriname, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive. </p>\n\n<p>Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.  </p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"arrival-report\">Arrival Report</h2>\n\n<p>All travellers to and from Suriname are required to complete an <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://icf.sr/\">Immigration and Customs Form [ICF]</a> up to three days before arrival and departure.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements </h2>\n\n<p>You can visit Suriname without a visa for tourism for up to 90 days. You must <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/who-can-apply-for-e-tourist-card\">pay an entry fee of 54 US dollars before you travel</a>. </p>\n\n<p>To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons), you must get a visa and meet the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/information\">Suriname government’s entry requirements</a>. </p>\n\n<p>It’s illegal to overstay the entry period or to work without a work permit. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements  </h2>\n\n<p>To enter Suriname, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://nathnacyfzone.org.uk/factsheet/65/countries-with-risk-of-yellow-fever-transmission\">country listed as a transmission risk</a>. </p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/213/suriname#Vaccine_Recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Suriname guide</a>.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules </h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Suriname. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"taking-money-into-suriname\">Taking money into Suriname </h3>\n\n<p>If you’re bringing currency with you, bring US dollars or euros. You cannot exchange British pounds. </p>\n\n","safety_html":"<p>This guide also has safety advice for <a href=\"/foreign-travel-advice/suriname/regional-risks\">regions of Suriname</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism  </h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.</p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-suriname\">Terrorism in Suriname </h3>\n\n<p>Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Suriname, attacks cannot be ruled out.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"political-situation\">Political situation </h2>\n\n<p>Demonstrations can become violent and lead to roadblocks and travel disruption. Be careful when travelling around the country and avoid large crowds. Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.  </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime </h2>\n\n<p>There have been incidents of burglary, armed robbery and violent crime in the capital, Paramaribo, and surrounding areas.</p>\n\n<p>Criminals could target you in quiet or secluded areas, including in the Palm Garden (‘Palmentuin’) and other parts of Paramaribo.</p>\n\n<p>Pickpocketing and robbery are increasingly common in the major business and shopping areas.  </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-yourself-and-your-belongings\">Protecting yourself and your belongings </h3>\n\n<p>Keep valuables such as your passport, travel documents, driving licence and credit cards secure and keep photocopies in a separate place. </p>\n\n<p>To reduce your personal risk, avoid wearing expensive jewellery or displaying large amounts of money in public.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"attacks-against-fishing-boats\">Attacks against fishing boats </h3>\n\n<p>There have been reports of attacks against fishing boats in and around the waters of Suriname.   </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"robberies-while-travelling-in-suriname\">Robberies while travelling in Suriname  </h3>\n\n<p>Tourists have been robbed when travelling in central Suriname, away from the coastal areas. Use a well-established tour company if you intend to travel to these parts of the country. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences-\">Laws and cultural differences  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-penalties\">Illegal drugs penalties </h3>\n\n<p>There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"money\">Money </h3>\n\n<p>Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. Check with your hotel whether it accepts credit cards. Some cash machines in Paramaribo will accept international credit and debit cards and dispense Surinamese dollars. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks  </h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel  </h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Suriname, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>. </p>\n\n<p>You’ll need to have both the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit (<abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an <abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr> outside the UK, so get one before you travel.  </p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an <abbr title=\"International driving permit\">IDP</abbr>. </p>\n\n<p>Some drivers may have poor road sense, and there may be frequent hazards, inadequate lighting and poor road conditions in some areas. When driving at night, take care to avoid cyclists, pedestrians and animals. </p>\n\n<p>Only use licensed taxis or those on official hotel taxi ranks. Do not hail taxis from the roadside. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"air-travel\">Air travel </h3>\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/uk-air-safety-list#suriname\">UK Air Safety List</a> (ASL) lists all known airlines in Suriname that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-Industry/Airlines/Licensing/Requirements-and-guidance/Third-Country-Operator-Certificates\">UK Civil Aviation Authority</a>. </p>\n\n<p>If you’re travelling with a tour operator, check whether they have concerns about airlines in Suriname. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters </h2>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"flooding-\">Flooding  </h3>\n\n<p>Suriname is prone to flooding, particularly in the north and centre of the country, during the rainy season in May to August. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"heatwaves\">Heatwaves </h3>\n\n<p>Severe heat can cause problems, particularly with livestock, the young and elderly. Keep in the shade where possible and remain hydrated.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["All travellers to and from Suriname are required to complete an Immigration and Customs Form [ICF] up to three days before arrival and departure.","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","If you’re bringing currency with you, bring US dollars or euros.","Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else.","Some cash machines in Paramaribo will accept international credit and debit cards and dispense Surinamese dollars.","The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Suriname that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK."]}
