Paramaribo Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Entry into Paramaribo, Suriname's capital, involves standard immigration and customs procedures at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM). Most visitors require a visa or a Tourist Card (Electronic Travel Authorization) obtained in advance. The immigration process is generally straightforward, but officials may ask for proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, and accommodation details. Travelers should ensure their passport has at least six months' validity and blank pages. It's crucial to have all required documents organized and ready for inspection upon arrival. Suriname is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area, so its visa policies are independent. While citizens from some countries enjoy visa-free entry, many others must apply for a visa or an ETA before travel. The process at the airport can be efficient, but delays can occur, so patience is advised. Travelers should also be aware of health requirements, particularly regarding yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a risk country. Before traveling, it's essential to verify the latest entry requirements, as policies can change. Ensure you have the correct type of visa or authorization for your nationality and purpose of visit. Tourist visits are typically granted for up to 90 days, but the exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Suriname's visa policy categorizes countries into visa-free, ETA (Tourist Card) required, and visa-required. The most common method for tourists is the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), often called the Tourist Card.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days

Citizens of these countries can enter Suriname for tourism without a visa or ETA.

Includes

Citizens of CARICOM member states (e.g., Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica) Citizens of Indonesia Citizens of Hong Kong (SAR China)

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Immigration may still request proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Single entry, stay up to 90 days (as determined on arrival)

The Tourist Card (ETA) is a mandatory online pre-authorization for citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, and EU member states.

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom All European Union member states Australia Japan South Korea

How to Apply: Apply online via the official Suriname Visa Portal (https://suriname.vfsevisa.com). Processing is typically 72 hours or less, but apply at least one week before travel. An approved ETA must be printed and presented upon arrival.
Cost: Approximately $40 USD (Tourist Card fee) + a $14 USD service fee.

The ETA is for tourism and business visits only. It is not a visa but a pre-authorization to travel. You must still meet all other entry requirements at the border.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type

Citizens of countries not listed in visa-free or ETA categories must apply for a traditional visa from a Surinamese embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person at a Surinamese diplomatic mission. Requires a completed application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, bank statements, and sometimes a letter of invitation. Processing times vary.

This category includes citizens of many African, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations. Check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the definitive list.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, follow signs to immigration. The process is usually sequential: health check (if required), passport control, baggage claim, and customs.

Initial Document Check

Officials may check your passport and ETA/visa before you queue for immigration.

Immigration Counter

Present your passport, completed immigration card (usually distributed on the plane), and printed ETA or visa. The officer will stamp your passport and indicate your authorized length of stay.

Baggage Claim

Proceed to collect your luggage.

Customs Inspection

You may be asked to declare items or have your luggage scanned. Proceed through the green 'Nothing to Declare' or red 'Goods to Declare' channel.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry and have at least one blank page.

ETA (Tourist Card) or Visa

A printed copy of the approved ETA or a valid visa in your passport, if required for your nationality.

Proof of Onward Travel

A return or onward ticket may be requested by immigration.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself during your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards).

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation confirmation or a letter from a host.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

Required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents (passport, ETA, hotel booking, return ticket) organized and easily accessible in your hand luggage.

Fill out the immigration card neatly and completely on the flight.

Be polite and answer immigration questions clearly and concisely.

Verify the entry stamp in your passport for the correct date and permitted duration of stay before leaving the counter.

Carry some cash in USD or Euros, as ATMs may not be immediately available upon exit.

Customs & Duty-Free

Suriname has standard customs regulations. Declare all items over the duty-free allowance, significant amounts of currency, and restricted goods.

Alcohol

2 liters of alcoholic beverages per adult

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco per adult

Traveler must be 18 years or older.

Currency

USD 10,000 or equivalent

Amounts exceeding USD 10,000 (or equivalent in other currencies) must be declared upon entry and exit.

Gifts/Goods

Personal effects and gifts up to a reasonable value for personal use.

Commercial quantities or high-value items may be subject to duty.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs
Counterfeit goods and pirated copyright material
Obscene or immoral material
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives without prior authorization
Protected wildlife and products derived from endangered species (CITES)

Restricted Items

Medications - Bring only a reasonable quantity for personal use, preferably in original packaging with a doctor's prescription.
Plants, seeds, fruits, and vegetables - Require phytosanitary certificates.
Pets - Require import permits and health certificates (see Special Situations).
Radio transmission equipment - Requires prior permission.

Health Requirements

Health requirements focus on vaccination against yellow fever and general travel health precautions.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travelers aged 1 year and over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes transit longer than 12 hours in an airport of a risk country.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, etc.)
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Rabies (for extended stays or adventure travelers)
Malaria prophylaxis (Suriname has malaria risk, especially in interior regions)

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is highly recommended and may be required for certain visa types. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: As of October 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry into Suriname. However, this is subject to change; check the latest advisories from the Suriname Ministry of Health.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Suriname.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., travel.state.gov for U.S. citizens) for contact details and registration information.

Immigration Authority

Suriname's Official Visa and ETA Portal

https://suriname.vfsevisa.com for ETA applications and information. For complex visa inquiries, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation.

Emergency

General Emergency Services

Dial 115 for police, ambulance, and fire services in Paramaribo.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors traveling alone, with one parent, or with guardians may need additional documentation. This can include a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s), birth certificate, and copies of parents' passports. Requirements can be strict; contact the nearest Surinamese embassy for precise guidelines before travel.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs and cats require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries. Pets must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days prior to entry) and an international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Certain breeds may be restricted.

Extended Stays

To stay longer than the period granted on entry, you must apply for an extension at the Immigration Office (Korps Vreemdelingenzaken - KVZ) in Paramaribo before your initial permission expires. Extensions are not guaranteed. For long-term stays (work, study, residency), you must apply for the appropriate visa or residence permit from a Surinamese embassy before arrival.