Suriname
South America • SUR
Last updated: June 2, 2026
Suriname is a culturally diverse South American nation known for its blend of Dutch colonial architecture, dense Amazonian rainforests, and vibrant multi-ethnic population. Visitors can experience unique ecological wonders while exploring the bustling capital, Paramaribo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visa Requirements
Most international tourists are required to purchase an entry fee (tourist card) online via an E-tourist card portal prior to arrival.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- E-tourist card confirmation
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Popular Attractions
Historic Inner City of Paramaribo: This UNESCO site features stunning 17th and 18th-century Dutch colonial wooden buildings and the impressive Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve: One of the largest protected tropical rainforests in the world, offering incredible biodiversity and the dramatic Raleigh Falls.
Galibi Nature Reserve: A critical nesting site for endangered sea turtles, where visitors can witness these majestic creatures on pristine beaches.
Commewijne River Plantations: These former coffee and sugar estates provide a historical look at Suriname's colonial past and offer scenic river tours.
Brokopondo Reservoir: This massive man-made lake is perfect for fishing, boating, and enjoying spectacular sunsets over the flooded forest landscape.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Greetings are generally formal; a firm handshake with direct eye contact is expected when meeting new people.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites such as mosques, Hindu temples, or synagogues, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.
Surinamese people value punctuality in professional settings, though social events may be more relaxed and flexible.
It is customary to ask for permission before taking photographs of local residents, especially in rural or indigenous communities.
Avoid public displays of affection, as the local culture remains quite conservative regarding interpersonal behavior in public.
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly mandatory in restaurants, though rounding up the bill is a common practice.
Safety Tips
Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, especially in the outskirts of Paramaribo or deserted streets.
Keep your passport and important travel documents in a secure location, such as a hotel safe, and carry a photocopy instead.
Only use registered or hotel-recommended taxis rather than hailing random vehicles on the street.
Take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases by wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent containing DEET.
Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs; try to use machines located inside banks during daylight hours.
Stay informed about local political situations and avoid any large public protests or demonstrations.
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
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination recommended before travel.
View sourceMMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Source: CDC
Routine vaccination recommended before travel.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines before traveling to Suriname.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Malaria prevention measures
Source: CDC
If traveling to areas where malaria is present, preventive medication recommended.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers due to potential exposure through food and water.
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 sourceTetanus booster
Source: CDC
A tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years, be up to date before travel.
View sourceMeasles vaccination
Source: CDC
Ensure infants are vaccinated against measles before travel, particularly if visiting crowded areas.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers with possible exposure through food and water.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Dengue vaccination
Source: CDC
Consider for travelers visiting urban areas with dengue risk.
Assess prior to travel.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
Essential for prevention of mosquito-borne diseases.
View sourceInsect 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 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