Johan Adolf Pengel Airport (PBM)
The international airport is near Zanderij, about 45 km south of Paramaribo. Allow about an hour by taxi or a pre-arranged transfer.
Suriname travel guide
Tourism Connect: discover Suriname
Everything for your trip in one place: from entry fee and ICF form to rainforest, Keti Koti and a good roti. With official information from the ministry and the businesses in our guide.
- CurrencySurinamese dollar (SRD)
- TimeUTC−3, no daylight saving time
- TrafficDrive on the left
- Emergency number115
- LanguageDutch and Sranantongo
- ClimateTropical, 26–32 °C
Before you go
Four things to arrange before your trip.
-
1
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 more months on arrival.
-
2
Entry fee or e-visa
Most travelers, including Dutch, Belgian and American citizens, travel visa-free with an entry fee and may stay up to 90 days. Some other countries require an e-visa. You arrange both online via VFS Global; check the current fee there.
Go to VFS Global -
3
ICF form
Every traveler fills in the free Immigration Card Form (ICF), for both arrival and departure. The form opens 7 days before your trip.
Go to icf.sr -
4
Health and insurance
Get vaccinated against yellow fever in time and bring your yellow vaccination booklet. Take out travel insurance that covers medical costs in Suriname.
Who needs what?
- Entry fee
- Most nationalities, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and the US. Stay up to 90 days.
- E-visa
- For travelers from a limited number of countries. VFS Global shows which document applies to your nationality.
- Exempt
- Citizens of CARICOM countries, holders of a PSA registration (Persons of Surinamese Origin) and holders of a diplomatic passport.
Health
- Yellow fever
- The Netherlands advises vaccination for all travelers; according to other sources, proof is only required if you come from a risk country. Get vaccinated and you are always covered.
- Malaria-free
- The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Suriname malaria-free on 30 June 2025.
- Mosquitoes
- Dengue, Zika and chikungunya occur. Protect yourself with DEET, long clothing and a mosquito net in the interior.
- Hospitals
- Academisch Ziekenhuis Paramaribo (AZP, met spoedeisende hulp), 's Lands Hospitaal, Diakonessenhuis en Sint Vincentius Ziekenhuis.
Emergency numbers
115 Police and ambulance110 Fire department117 Private ambulance
Entry rules and vaccination requirements can change. Always check them with the official source before you leave: VFS Global, icf.sr and the Dutch travel advice.
Arriving and getting around
How to get to Suriname and how to get around.
Flying to Suriname
Direct from Amsterdam with SLM and KLM. Copa (via Panama), Caribbean Airlines, GOL, FlyAllWays and Trans Guyana Airways also fly to Paramaribo, among others. Since 2026 there is also a connection with Santo Domingo.
Domestic flights
Small aircraft from Gum Air and Blue Wing depart from Zorg en Hoop airfield in Paramaribo to the interior, such as Palumeu, Kasikasima and the Raleigh Falls.
By land and water
The Canawaima ferry sails from South Drain (Nickerie) to Moleson Creek in Guyana. From Albina, the La Gabrielle ferry takes you to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni in French Guiana.
Getting around the country
Rent a car for the coastal plain and Brokopondo. You reach the interior by boat or small plane, usually through a tour operator that arranges transport, accommodation and a guide.
Practical
Money, language, electricity, traffic and more.
Money and exchange
Pay in Surinamese dollars (SRD). Exchange euros or dollars at a bank or an authorized exchange office and bring enough cash, especially to the interior. The official rate is published by the Central Bank of Suriname.
Cards and payments
In Paramaribo you can withdraw cash and pay by card in many places; Mastercard and Maestro are accepted more often than Visa. Outside the city, cash is the norm.
Language
Dutch is the official language. On the street you also hear Sranantongo, Sarnami, Javanese, Chinese and English. With Dutch and English you can get by everywhere.
Electricity
Suriname uses both 127 V and 220 V (60 Hz) and various plug types. Bring a universal travel adapter and check the voltage at your accommodation.
Traffic
Traffic drives on the left. With a Dutch driving licence you may drive for a short time; for a longer stay you need an international or Surinamese licence. Drive carefully at night and avoid unlit roads.
Time difference
Suriname is 4 hours behind the Netherlands and Belgium in winter and 5 hours in summer.
Safety
Use common sense: don't show valuables and take a taxi at night. In October 2026 the ministry launched Safe Guide with tips for traveling safely.
SIM card
You can buy a prepaid SIM card from Telesur or Digicel with your passport, for example at the airport and in the city. Coverage in the interior is limited.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory. A small tip is appreciated for good service in a restaurant or for a guide.
Climate and best time to travel
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
- Short rainy season Dec–Jan Short, heavy showers.
- Short dry season Feb–Mar Sunny and pleasant.
- Long rainy season Apr–Jul Lots of rain; rivers are high.
- Long dry season Aug–Nov Hottest and driest: the most popular time to travel.
It is warm all year round. The seasons shift from year to year; always bring a rain jacket.
Discover Suriname
16 destinations, from the UNESCO inner city to deep in the rainforest.
Paramaribo The colorful capital on the Suriname River.
Paramaribo
UNESCO
Historic inner city
Wooden colonial buildings, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and Keizerstraat with a mosque and synagogue side by side. Since July 2026 the inner city has been on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger.
On foot
Paramaribo
Fort Zeelandia
The pentagonal fort on the river, home to the Suriname Museum about the country's history.
On foot
Paramaribo
Waterfront and Central Market
Walk along the river and taste the city at the bustling Central Market, with fresh fish, vegetables and herbs.
On footCommewijne Plantations, forts and beaches across the river.
Commewijne
Peperpot Plantation
Former coffee and cocoa plantation where you can spot monkeys and birds among the greenery.
Car or bike
Commewijne
Fort Nieuw Amsterdam
Open-air museum where the Commewijne and Suriname rivers meet.
Car or boat
Commewijne
Matapica
Unspoiled beach where sea turtles lay their eggs, especially from April to August.
BoatPara and Brokopondo Creeks, savannas and the great reservoir, a day trip from the city.
Para
UNESCO
Jodensavanne
The ruins of one of the oldest Jewish settlements in the Americas, with a synagogue and cemeteries.
Car
Para
Blaka Watra and Colakreek
Swim in dark, cool creeks with white sand: a favorite day out.
Car
Brokopondo
Brownsberg Nature Park
High above the reservoir, with waterfalls, hiking trails, howler monkeys and a stunning view.
Car
Brokopondo
Brokopondo Lake and Tonka Island
One of the largest reservoirs in the world, with islands for boating, fishing and overnight stays.
Car and boatThe interior Rainforest, rivers, Maroon villages and Indigenous villages.
Sipaliwini
UNESCO
Raleigh Falls and Voltzberg
Rapids in the Coppename River and a granite dome in the heart of the Central Suriname Nature Reserve.
Small plane or boat
Sipaliwini
UNESCO
Tafelberg
Remote table mountain in the nature reserve, only accessible on an organized expedition.
Small plane
Sipaliwini
Palumeu
Indigenous village on the Tapanahony River, with a lodge from which you explore the rainforest and the river.
Small plane
Sipaliwini
Kasikasima
Spectacular granite rocks in the south: a multi-day trip for adventurers.
Small plane and boatCoast and west Coastal nature, from Marowijne to Nickerie.
Marowijne
Galibi
Nature reserve at the mouth of the Marowijne River, known for sea turtles and Indigenous villages.
Car and boat
Nickerie
Bigi Pan
Lagoons and mangroves full of birds, such as scarlet ibises, flamingos and herons.
Car and boatFor the interior, it's best to book through a recognized tour operator: they arrange transport, accommodation and a guide. You'll find them below under Plan and book.
Culture and holidays
A country of many cultures, celebrated all year round.
- Jan/FebChinese New Year
Fireworks, lion dances and festive meals.
- MarchPhagwa (Holi)
Hindustani spring festival with colored powder in the streets.
- VariesEid al-Fitr
End of Ramadan, with visits to family and friends.
- 1 JulyKeti Koti
Commemoration of the abolition of slavery, with the Bigi Spikri parade.
- 9 AugustIndigenous Peoples' Day
Tribute to the Indigenous peoples of Suriname.
- 10 OctoberMaroons' Day
Celebration of the Maroon peace treaties.
- Oct/NovDiwali
Festival of lights: thousands of oil lamps light up homes and temples.
- 25 NovemberSrefidensi
Independence Day, with parades and celebrations.
- 31 DecemberOwru Yari
New Year's Eve with the famous pagara firecracker relay and fireworks in the city.
Festivals such as Chinese New Year, Phagwa, Eid and Diwali follow the lunar or solar calendar: the date differs each year.
Coming up
All events →Food and drink
Hindustani, Javanese, Creole, Chinese: Surinamese cuisine is a feast.
Roti
Flatbread with curry chicken, potato, long beans and pickles.
Pom
Oven dish of pomtajer root and chicken: the festive dish par excellence.
Moksi alesi
Rice mixed with beans, salted meat or fish.
Saoto
Javanese chicken soup with bean sprouts, egg and sambal.
Bami and nasi
Fried noodles or rice, available everywhere at warungs.
Dawet and shaved ice
Sweet refreshment with coconut or syrup for hot days.
Plan and book
Direct contact with businesses from the guide.
Tour operators & recreation23 businesses
Hotels & resorts14 businesses
Restaurants & warungs15 businesses
Car rental3 businesses
Aviation2 businesses
Carvision
Cars & Transport
Exclusive Partner
Royal Torarica Resort Suriname
Hotels & Resorts
Verified
Sugar Suriname
Food & Drink
Verified
Compa International Autoverhuur
Cars & Transport
Exclusive Partner
Para Inn Invest
Hotels & Resorts
Verified
Yogh Hospitality
Hotels & Resorts
Verified
Do you run a tourism business?List your hotel, tour or restaurant for free in the guide and get found by travelers.
Register a business
News and policy
Recent tourism news from the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism.
- Safe Guide platform launched
The ministry launches Safe Guide, with information and tips for safe travel in Suriname.
- Canawaima sailing ban lifted
The ferry connection with Guyana may sail again.
- "Dis’ Na Wi Stories" launched
Stories of Surinamese people showing their country.
- Campaign "Our Suriname – Dis’ na Wi"
New campaign to promote Suriname as a destination.
- Flight to Santo Domingo
New air connection with the Dominican Republic.
- Tourism vision at the Vakantiebeurs
The ministry presents its vision on tourism in Utrecht.
Official agencies and links
This is where you'll always find the current rules.
Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism (TCT)
Jaggernath Lachmonstraat 132, Paramaribo
Directorate of Tourism: +597 462549
The ministry includes, among others:
- Directorate of Tourism
- Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Training Centre (SHTTC)
- Tourism Authority
- Recreation Areas Foundation
Ministry of TCTPolicy, news and contact.
Safe GuideTravel safely in Suriname.
VFS Global SurinameApply for an entry fee or e-visa.
ICF formMandatory and free, for arrival and departure.
Central Bank of SurinameOfficial exchange rates.
Netherlands travel adviceCurrent travel advice from NederlandWereldwijd.
Belgium travel adviceTravel advice from the Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs.
Last updated on 18 October 2026. Sources: gov.sr (Ministry of TCT), VFS Global, icf.sr, NederlandWereldwijd, Belgian Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, World Health Organization (WHO), Central Bank of Suriname, UNESCO. This page was compiled with care, but rules change: always check important matters with the official source.