Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Police presence outside Paramaribo is scarce.

Petty Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is common in Paramaribo and surrounding areas. Major business districts and shopping areas and areas near popular hotels are particularly affected.

Theft from vehicles and carjacking also occur.

Foreigners are often targeted by criminals.

• Ensure that your belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Do not show signs of affluence
• Avoid walking alone after dark outside the immediate vicinity of major hotels

Violent Crime

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, burglary and carjacking occur, particularly in Paramaribo. The Palm Garden (“Palmentuin”) in Paramaribo’s Dutch area is known for illicit activities and the lack of police presence. Robberies are also of particular concern:

• in the cities of Albina and Moengo
• along the East–West highway between Paramaribo and Albina
• along the Afobakka Highway in the district of Para and
• the Brokopondo district

Gangs are known to operate along the border with Guyana. The lack of police presence increases the risk of travelling to this area.

• Avoid walking alone at night
• Drive with your windows closed and always lock your doors when leaving your vehicle unattended

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place regularly, particularly on Saturdays in Paramaribo. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Do not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Trekking

The dense jungle and local fauna can be hazardous. If you intend on trekking:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country, but are generally poor outside major centres. In Paramaribo, most roads are paved but not well maintained. Many roads do not have sidewalks, forcing pedestrians and bicycles to share the road with motor vehicles. Inadequate lighting, dangerous driving and poorly maintained vehicles pose further hazards.

Motorcycles and scooters cannot occupy a full lane in Suriname. Avoid riding motorcycles or scooters, as sharing the road with cars is very dangerous.

Driving conditions may be hazardous during the rainy season.

Public transportation

Minibuses

Avoid using public minibuses.

Taxis

Taxis are available at major hotels.

• Agree on a fare prior to departure
• If you hail a taxi on the street, be aware that they tend to overcharge foreigners

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Suriname authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive in Suriname.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required
Business visa: required
Student visa: required

Tourist cards and e-visas

Canadians in possession of a regular passport must apply for a tourist card. It is valid for single entry and expires after 90 days.

You must apply online to obtain your tourist card or e-visa prior to your arrival in Suriname.

Useful links

• Suriname e-tourist card
• Suriname e-visa

Entry tax

You must pay an entry tax before arrival in Suriname. If arriving by plane, you must present proof of payment in the form of an entry fee voucher to airline staff during check-in.

Entry tax payment – Republic of Suriname

Extended stay

If you intend to stay in Suriname for more than 3 months, you must apply for an Authorization for Temporary Stay (known as an MKV) from the nearest Surinamese embassy before travelling. If you are travelling with a tourist or business visa, you cannot apply for residence during your stay in Suriname.

Registration

After 30 days in Suriname, all foreigners are required to report within one week to the police services of the Immigration Section to obtain an extension-of-stay stamp.

Children and travel

Minors under the age of 18 travelling without a parent or legal guardian must have:

• a signed consent form from one parent or legal guardian confirming the dates of travel
• a photocopy of one of the parent or legal guardian’s passports
• an evidence of parental responsibility or legal custody

Travelling with children

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is limited in Paramaribo. There is only one public emergency room with ambulance services. Service is unavailable throughout the rest of the country.

You will likely need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences, heavy fines, or both.

• Monitor your luggage closely at all times
• Never transport other people’s packages

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Suriname law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Suriname doesn’t legally recognize dual citizenship.

According to the government, persons born in Suriname who subsequently gained another citizenship, such as Canadian, have lost their Surinamese status and will be considered a foreigner.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Suriname.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Suriname by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Suriname to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Driving

Traffic drives on the left.

You must carry an international driving permit.

You need a local driver’s permit to drive in Suriname. You may obtain a one-year valid local driver’s permit in Paramaribo, upon a deposit at the head office of the Suriname Postal Service and the presentation of your valid Canadian driver’s licence at a police station. Vehicles with foreign plates are required to undergo a vehicle overhaul test to ensure that the vehicle meets Surinamese traffic standards. The owner will then be granted a Surinamese licence plate.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency of Suriname is the Surinamese dollar.

The economy is primarily cash based. Only major hotels and some restaurants accept credit cards.

It is illegal to exchange money on the street. Use only hotels, local banks or official money exchanges (cambios) to exchange currency.

Natural disasters and climate

The rainy seasons extend from May to August and from November to February. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services. You could face serious safety risks during a hurricane.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Severe storms outside Canada
• Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings – U.S. National Hurricane Center