Suriname
South America • SUR
Last updated: June 2, 2026
Suriname is a vibrant South American nation known for its rich multicultural heritage, blending Dutch, Caribbean, African, and Indonesian influences. Visitors can explore dense, untouched rainforests, historical colonial architecture in Paramaribo, and diverse culinary traditions.
Visa Requirements
Most international tourists must apply for an E-tourist card or E-visa online through the official government portal before arrival.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Confirmed round-trip flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation booking
- Proof of payment for the E-tourist card or E-visa
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from endemic regions
Popular Attractions
Paramaribo's Historic Inner City is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring unique Dutch colonial architecture and the impressive Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Brownsberg Nature Park offers expansive hiking trails and breathtaking panoramic views over the Brokopondo Reservoir.
Galibi Nature Reserve is a primary nesting ground for sea turtles and offers a chance to experience the culture of the indigenous Kalina people.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve is one of the largest protected tropical rainforest areas in the world, perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Commewijne District is home to former coffee and cocoa plantations that provide insight into the colonial history and rural lifestyle of the country.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Surinamese people appreciate a polite 'goedendag' or 'hallo' when entering shops or greeting locals.
It is common to dress modestly when visiting places of worship, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.
Asking for permission before taking photographs of local people is considered a respectful gesture.
When visiting someone's home, it is polite to bring a small gift such as flowers or sweets.
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, as the culture tends to be somewhat conservative.
Removing your shoes before entering a private residence is a standard practice in many households.
Safety Tips
Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas or deserted parts of Paramaribo.
Keep your valuables, such as passports and extra cash, in a secure hotel safe rather than carrying them around.
Use only official or reputable taxi services recommended by your hotel when traveling after dark.
Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded public markets and busy tourist thoroughfares.
Consult with local guides when venturing into the interior rainforests to ensure you are well-prepared and safe.
Stay informed about local weather conditions, especially during the rainy season when road travel can become difficult.
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