Suriname Travel Guide

Useful tips

Everything you need to know before you fly to Suriname 

Average trip cost

NA

When to go

February to April, August to December

Currency

Surinamese Dollar (SRD)

Ideal length of stay

7 to 14 days

About Suriname

Suriname is a diverse country with people from different cultures all over the world.  The eclectic mix of people results in a wonderful kaleidoscope of cultures made evident in traditions, customs, and cuisine.  Friendly and outgoing people, visitors will be welcomed by the people of Suriname with open arms.  History buffs will enjoy learning about the country’s past, including their bid for independence from the Netherlands in 1975.  Nature lovers will appreciate the incredible wonders this island has to offer.

Historians will find that the first people to live in Suriname were the Amerindians.  After the island was colonized, people from Africa were brought to the island to work.  Some of them fled and reestablished their ancestral African traditions in an area that is now called Maroon villages.  Later. After slavery was abolished, Chinese and Indian people were brought to the island to work.  This rich mixture of people makes up the collective culture that is Suriname in the present day.  Many cultures mean many religions and many customs.  One can see Dutch architecture, Hindu traditions, Javanese costumes, Chinese dances, African rites, and Amerindian folklore all in one place.  

If sightseeing is your speed, be sure to visit Paramaribo.  This, their capital of the country, is a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) site with beautiful colonial buildings that date as far back as the 17th century.  

If you like rainforests, Suriname is the place for you.  Wild rapids, exotic plants, waterfalls, rivers, animals, and more await the interested traveler.  Over 94% if the island is covered by lush rainforest, so this is the biggest attraction that Suriname has to offer.  

Suriname is the place to go if you are looking for an adventure.  Enjoy the lush rainforest and all that it entails, creating memories that will last you a lifetime in the process.

Where To Stay In Suriname

Visitors to Suriname stay in a wide variety of accommodations, including private rental, guesthouses, and luxurious all-inclusive hotels.  Some of the best hotels in Suriname include: 

  • Q-Inn Boutique Hotel
  • Jacana Amazon Wellness Resort 
  • Ramada by Wyndham Princess Paramaribo 
  • Courtyard by Marriott Paramaribo 
  • Spanhoek Boutique Hotel Paramaribo 

Activities In Suriname

Major tourist activities in Suriname include:

  • Touring the historic capital city of Paramaribo to check out the Dutch-Creole wooden architecture, which earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Taking a boat ride on the Upper Suriname River, stopping at Maroon villages 
  • Hiking within the Central Suriname Nature Reserve, a 1.6 million-hectare reserve 
  • Watching out for giant leatherback turtles emerging from the sea within the Galibi Nature Reserve 
  • Hiking and looking out for black spider monkeys in the jungle canopy of the Brownsberg Nature Reserve

Facts About Suriname

Size:

63,251 square miles

Population:

566,846

Official Language:

Dutch

Demonym:

Surinamese

Capital City:

Paramaribo

Government:

Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Republic

Telephone Country Code:

597

Driving:

left side of the road

Local Beer:

Parbo

National Dish:

Chicken and rice

Main Airport:

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport

Electricity:

127 V/60 Hz – plugs are types A, B, C & F

Visa Information For Suriname

All visitors to Suriname will need to have a valid passport that is valid for six months from the date of intended travel.   Visitors from Guyana, Brazil, and Japan, do not require visas, but those from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, UK, and US nationals still do.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa For Suriname

With a valid passport and supporting documents, you can submit an E-VISA application, and you will receive an email within 72 hours with the results of your Suriname visa application.   With the approved visa, an E-Tourist Card allows visitors to stay in Suriname for up to 90 days.   

Is It Safe In Suriname

In comparison to major American and European cities, Suriname is relatively safe, but petty crime levels is somewhat high. As such, it is recommended that visitors be vigilant at all times, especially when away from the major hotels and tourist areas.  Tourists to Suriname should take extra precautions to safeguard their passports, money, tickets, mobile phones, and other valuables.

How To Get To Suriname

Most visitors to Suriname arrive via Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (IATA: PBM, ICAO: SMJP). Also known as Paramaribo-Zanderij International Airport or simply JAP, it is located in the town of Zanderij, which is 28 miles south of Paramaribo.

From the United States, book flights to Suriname via:

  • Surinam Airways: Miami (Seasonal: Orlando/Sanford)

From Europe, book flights to Suriname via:

  • KLM: Amsterdam
  • TUI fly Netherlands: Amsterdam

Within the Caribbean region, book flights to Suriname via:

  • Caribbean Airlines: Port of Spain
  • Fly All Ways: Camaguey, Havana, Santiago de Cuba (Seasonal: Curaçao, Port-au-Prince, Santo Domingo, St. Maarten)
  • Surinam Airways: Amsterdam, Aruba, Curaçao, Georgetown–Cheddi Jagan, Port of Spain 
  • Trans Guyana Airways: Georgetown

Within Latin American region, book flights to Suriname via:

  • Copa Airlines: Panama City
  • Gol Transportes Aéreos: Belém, Brazil 
  • Surinam Airways: Belém

When To Go To Suriname

The most popular time to visit Suriname is from February to April and also August to early December when the weather is warm, sunny, and typically dry.  

Major events attracting visitors to Suriname include:

  • February: Suriname Carnival 
  • April: Avond-Vier-Daagse (AVD), 4-day cultural walking parade 
  • October: Suriname Jazz Festival 
  • October/November: International Salsa & Zouk Festival 
  • November: Srefidensi – Independence Day 
  • December: Surifesta 

Weather In Suriname

The weather in Suriname is warm and tropical year-round.  Trade winds keep the country cool, and temperatures in Suriname range between 70°F to 90°F.  The wet season is April to mid-August and a short stint from December to February.

Getting Married In Suriname

Marriage Requirements:

Couples looking to get married in Suriname will need to apply for a marriage license and have their service officiated by an official of the Civil Registry.  

Documents required

In addition to the completed application for marriage, both the bride and groom will need their:

  • passports 
  • birth certificates along with driver’s licenses or other forms of identification
  • certificates of no impediment or single status report

Also, if applicable: 

  • divorce papers, i.e., decree absolute and/or death certificate of spouse
  • proof of parental consent if under 18, stamped and signed by a solicitor
  • proof of name change by Deed Poll, stamped and signed by a solicitor

 

Residency Requirement:

24 hours 

Witnesses: 

 Two people are required to witness the marriage.

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