Suriname
South America • SUR
Last updated: June 2, 2026
Suriname is a hidden gem in South America known for its unique blend of Caribbean, Dutch, and indigenous cultures. It offers an incredible mix of colonial architecture in Paramaribo and vast, pristine rainforests ideal for eco-adventure travelers.
Visa Requirements
Most international tourists, including those from the US, Canada, and EU, must apply for an E-Tourist Card or E-Visa online before arrival.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months
- E-Tourist Card or E-Visa confirmation
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Popular Attractions
Historic Inner City of Paramaribo: This UNESCO World Heritage site features stunning Dutch colonial architecture and the iconic wooden Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Central Suriname Nature Reserve: One of the largest protected tropical rainforests in the world, offering unparalleled biodiversity and rugged hiking terrain.
Brownsberg Nature Park: Located on a plateau overlooking the Brokopondo Reservoir, this park is perfect for bird watching and exploring hidden waterfalls.
Commewijne River Plantations: Visitors can explore old colonial coffee and sugar plantations by boat, often encountering historical ruins and diverse wildlife along the riverbanks.
Galibi Nature Reserve: A critical nesting site for endangered sea turtles, providing tourists the opportunity to witness nesting rituals between February and August.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Greetings are typically warm and formal, often involving a handshake and direct eye contact.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or rural villages to show respect for local traditions.
Ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, especially those in indigenous or maroon communities.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving 5-10% at restaurants is considered a kind gesture for good service.
Punctuality is often flexible in social settings, but professional business meetings are expected to start on time.
Removing your shoes before entering someone's home is a standard sign of respect.
Safety Tips
Stick to well-lit and populated areas in Paramaribo, especially after dark, to avoid petty theft.
Use only official taxis or pre-arranged transportation services recommended by your hotel.
Carry a copy of your passport and visa documents with you, but keep the originals in a secure hotel safe.
When traveling deep into the interior, always use a reputable guided tour operator to navigate the jungle safely.
Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation, as remote areas have limited health facilities.
Be cautious of river currents when swimming and always check for local warnings regarding dangerous aquatic wildlife.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Chikungunya
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 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 sourceHepatitis 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 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: 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 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