Suriname
South America • SUR
Last updated: June 2, 2026
Suriname is a vibrant South American nation known for its incredible ethnic diversity, dense Amazonian rainforests, and unique Dutch colonial architecture. It offers a rare blend of Caribbean and South American culture, making it an adventurous destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Visa Requirements
Most international visitors, including citizens from many Western nations, must obtain an E-Tourist Card or E-Visa online prior to travel.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport with at least six months validity
- Confirmed return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation booking
- Completed online E-Tourist Card application
- Payment confirmation for the visa processing fee
Popular Attractions
Paramaribo City Center: A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring well-preserved Dutch colonial buildings and the striking Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve: One of the largest protected tropical rainforest areas in the world, perfect for jungle treks and observing rare wildlife.
Brownsberg Nature Park: Offers stunning panoramic views of the Brokopondo Reservoir and numerous waterfalls hidden within the lush forest canopy.
Galibi Nature Reserve: A crucial nesting ground for endangered sea turtles, located on the coast where the Marowijne River meets the Atlantic Ocean.
Commewijne River Plantations: A historic area accessible by boat that showcases the remnants of former coffee and sugar plantations amidst beautiful river scenery.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Greet people with a polite 'goedendag' or a friendly hello as it is considered very respectful in casual interactions.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as mosques or synagogues to show proper respect for local traditions.
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially in the interior villages.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory, though rounding up the bill at restaurants is a common practice.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, as the local culture is quite conservative regarding romantic gestures in public.
Remove your shoes before entering someone's home, as this is a standard sign of cleanliness and respect.
Safety Tips
Stick to well-lit and populated areas in Paramaribo, particularly after dark, to avoid potential petty crime.
Always use authorized or hotel-recommended taxis for transport rather than hailing random vehicles on the street.
Keep your valuables, passport, and large amounts of cash in a secure hotel safe rather than carrying them around.
Consult a travel clinic regarding vaccinations for yellow fever and malaria before departing for the interior regions.
Use insect repellent consistently to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses common in tropical jungle environments.
Avoid drinking tap water; rely on bottled or filtered water throughout your stay to prevent stomach issues.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Hepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Suriname. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Suriname.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Suriname. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceChikungunya
Source: CDC
Vaccination is recommended for travelers to areas with a chikungunya outbreak.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Vaccine is recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old. For travelers from countries with risk for YF virus transmission, vaccination is required for those ≥1 year old; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in such countries.
View sourceYellow fever
Source: WHO
Suriname requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
View sourceyellow fever
Source: UK_FCDO
Travelers must have a certificate to prove they've had a yellow fever vaccination if coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
View sourceYellow fever
Source: ECDC
Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required upon entry for travellers coming from countries affected by yellow fever.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Not required when traveling directly from non-risk countries.
View sourceYellow Fever
Source: CDC
Yellow fever vaccination certificate required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines before traveling to Suriname.
View sourceMosquito bite prevention measures
Source: ECDC
Recommended for all travellers to Suriname to prevent mosquito-borne diseases.
Use insect repellents, wear protective clothing, and sleep under insecticide-treated nets.
View sourceChikungunya vaccine
Source: Canada_Travel
Before travel
A vaccine for the prevention of chikungunya is approved in Canada. Discuss with your health care provider the benefits and risks of vaccination based on factors such as your age, itinerary, any existing health conditions, and personal preferences.
View sourceDengue prevention
Source: Canada_Travel
During travel
There is no vaccine or medication available in Canada to prevent dengue. Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.
View sourceAmerican trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) prevention
Source: Canada_Travel
During travel
Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.
View sourceZika virus prevention
Source: Canada_Travel
During travel
Zika virus is a risk in this country. Prevent mosquito bites at all times. Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.
View sourceyellow fever
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccine recommendations for Suriname.
Consult TravelHealthPro for the most current information.
View sourceZika virus
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccine recommendations for Suriname.
Consult TravelHealthPro for the most current information.
View sourcedengue
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccine recommendations for Suriname.
Consult TravelHealthPro for the most current information.
View sourceschistosomiasis
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest vaccine recommendations for Suriname.
Consult TravelHealthPro for the most current information.
View sourceMalaria prevention measures
Source: WHO
While Suriname has been certified malaria-free by the WHO as of June 2025, travelers should remain vigilant against potential reintroduction of malaria.
Travelers are advised to take standard precautions to prevent mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and sleeping under bed nets.
View sourceRoutine vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip to protect against common diseases.
Includes vaccines such as Chickenpox (Varicella), Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTaP, Tdap, or Td), Flu (influenza), Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR), Polio, and Shingles.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines to reduce the risk of infection.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceMMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination recommended before travel.
View sourceTdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination recommended before travel.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Typhoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers with possible exposure through food and water.
View sourceMeasles vaccination
Source: CDC
Ensure infants are vaccinated against measles before travel, particularly if visiting crowded areas.
View sourceTetanus booster
Source: CDC
A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years, be up to date before travel.
View sourceMalaria prevention
Source: CDC
Travelers to certain areas of Suriname should take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.
Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through food and water.
View sourceMalaria prevention measures
Source: CDC
If traveling to areas where malaria is present, preventive medication recommended.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Insect bite prevention
Source: CDC
To reduce the risk of insect-borne diseases, use repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep under insecticide-treated bed nets.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
Essential for prevention of mosquito-borne diseases.
View sourceDengue vaccination
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers visiting urban areas with dengue risk.
Assess prior to travel.
View sourceRisk Area: No malaria risk
View sourceRisk Area: Previously, primarily in Sipaliwini District, near the border with French Guiana, with limited transmission in Brokopondo, Marowijne, and Para (near the border with French Guiana)
Chemoprophylaxis: None (insect bite precautions and mosquito avoidance only)
Seasonality: Not specified
View source