Suriname

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Suriname. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for each entry stamp/visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

(597) 556-700; EMER: (597) 710-1112; US Embassy Paramaribo, Kristalstaat 165, Paramaribo, Suriname; caparamar@state.gov; https://sr.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

597

Local Emergency Phone

Local numbers only

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Suriname: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical; moderated by trade winds

Currency (Code)

Surinamese dollars (SRD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

127 V, 220 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B, C, F

Plug Type APlug Type BPlug Type CPlug Type F

Major Languages

Dutch, English (widely spoken), Sranang Tongo

Major Religions

Protestant 23.6% (includes Evangelical, Moravian, Reformed, Lutheran), Hindu 22.3%, Roman Catholic 21.6%, Muslim 13.8%, other Christian 3.2%, Winti 1.8%, Jehovah's Witness 1.2%

Time Difference

UTC-3 (2 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Suggested

Road Driving Side

Left

Tourist Destinations

Presidential Palace; Galibi Nature Reserve; Central Suriname Nature Reserve; Commewijne River; Brownsberg Nature Park

Major Sports

Soccer, cricket, basketball, table tennis, volleyball

Cultural Practices

Surinamese people are generally warm and friendly, and it is customary to greet others with a handshake.

Tipping Guidelines

Customers are expected to leave a 10% tip at restaurants, if a service charge has not already been added. Rounding up cab fare is appropriate.

Souvenirs

Woven baskets and wicker items, batik cloth, tribal woodcarvings, pottery, gold and silver jewelry, hand-rolled cigars, cotton hammocks, bamboo items

Traditional Cuisine

Pom — a casserole made with chicken pieces, chicken sausages, tomatoes, onions, celery, garlic, hot peppers, salt, pepper, sugar, nutmeg, orange and lemon juice, and pomtajer (a root vegetable)


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Tuesday, October 03, 2023