While a few countries have been granted visa exemptions, most citizens, including those from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are required to obtain a visa before entering Suriname. Travelers are able to get a single entry visa. While most citizens are required to apply for a visa before arriving in the country, citizens of Britain and the United States are able to get a 90-day visa on arrival from the country’s international airport. All travelers are required to be in possession of a passport valid for at least six months after leaving the country.
Health and Safety
Medical facilities in Suriname are not well-developed, with the capital city only having one emergency room, for example. Health care in more remote areas is even more limited. It is thus imperative that travelers take out comprehensive travel or medical insurance prior to entering the country. It is also highly recommended that travelers suffering from chronic illnesses take with them a sufficient supply of medication as such medications may not be available in the country.
It is also advised that the following immunizations be received well before embarking on travel to Suriname: yellow fever (especially if travelers are planning on going to Brazil afterward as this is a requirement for entry), hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus-diphtheria.
Water in larger cities is generally safe to drink as it has been chlorinated but bottled water is available in all stores in case travelers have their doubts. Water in the more remote areas of Suriname definitely needs to be boiled or sterilized before drinking, being used as ice or cooked with. Most milk in the country is unpasteurized and should be boiled before consumption. Food is quite safe but travelers should make sure that all meats have been properly cooked and all fruits and vegetables have been well cleaned.
The regular tourism-related crimes, like muggings and pickpocketing are prevalent in the country and travelers should keep alert at all times for suspicious characters. There have also been reports of a few violent crimes in city centers like Paramaribo. Travelers should always endeavor to travel in groups and should certainly not travel alone at night time.