Traveling to Suriname
Suriname is a country in South America that welcomes thousands of visitors each year for its tropical rainforests and fascinating history and culture.
Foreign nationals from almost 30 countries can travel to Suriname visa-free and stay for up to 90 days, while CARICOM citizens can enter Suriname visa-free and stay for up to 6 months. Most all foreign nationals are eligible to apply online for a Suriname e-visa for tourism purposes and family visits, at the VFSA Global Suriname website, except those foreign citizens from countries that have signed a visa waiver agreement with Suriname. Some foreign nationals are eligible to apply for the Suriname tourist card online, allowing single entry into Suriname for tourism purposes only. Suriname visas can also be applied for at the nearest Suriname embassy or foreign mission abroad. Please note that Haitian citizens are currently barred from entry into Suriname, and hence cannot apply for a Suriname visa.
The Suriname tourist visa is issued as single or multiple entry, while the Suriname business visa is issued as a multiple entry visa. The Suriname visa allows for a maximum 90-day stay in Suriname, while foreign nationals of Suriname origin can stay for up to 180 days. Suriname transit visas allow a short stay of 72 hours.
Suriname Visa Types
Foreign nationals, required to apply for a Suriname visa prior to traveling to Suriname, should apply for the appropriate Suriname visa, based on the purpose of travel to Suriname. The Suriname visa types are:
- Suriname tourist visa:
- All foreign nationals traveling to Suriname for short-term activities, such as tourism and personal visits, can apply online for the Suriname tourist visa. The Suriname tourist visa can be issued as single or multiple entry and allows for a maximum 90 day stay in Suriname.
- Suriname tourist card:
- Certain foreign nationals are eligible to apply for the Suriname tourist card, valid for 3 months and issued as single entry only, allowing for a maximum 90-day stay in Suriname.
- Suriname business visa:
- The Suriname business visa is for foreign nationals traveling to Suriname for business activities, such as meetings, conferences, training, internships, and investment opportunities. The Suriname business visa is issued as a multiple-entry visa that allows a maximum stay of 90 days in Suriname.
- Suriname transit visa:
- The Suriname transit visa is for foreign nationals traveling through Suriname on their way to another destination, issued as a single-entry visa allowing a maximum stay period of 72 hours.
- Suriname temporary stay visa (KV):
- The Suriname temporary stay visa, or KV, is for foreign nationals wishing to stay more than 90 days in Suriname. Foreign travelers must first obtain a Temporary Stay Authorization, or MKV, before applying for the KV.
Suriname Visa Requirements
Foreign nationals applying for a Suriname visa should meet the following requirements:
Passport
Applicant should have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Suriname.
Application form
Applicant should fill out a Suriname visa application form.
Personal photos
The applicant is required to submit a recent standard photo, size 3×4 cm.
Airline ticket
Applicant should provide a copy of their round-trip ticket or travel itinerary.
Accommodation
Applicant should provide hotel bookings or lodging address.
Financial proof
Applicant should provide proof of financial means during stay in Suriname.
Depending on your nationality and the type of Suriname visa you are applying for, additional documents may be required, such as marriage/death certificates, valid travel insurance, yellow fever vaccination records, invitation letter, and birth certificates for minors.
Suriname Visa Application Steps
Foreign nationals applying for a Suriname visa should follow these steps:
Suriname e-visa
Foreign nationals applying online for a Suriname tourist e-visa, business e-visa, transit e-visa, or tourist e-card should follow these steps:
- Complete visa application form
• Register online at the VFSA Global Suriname website
• Fill in all requested information and upload the requested documents. - Pay the visa fee
• Pay the Suriname visa application fee with a valid credit or debit card.
- Await visa decision
• If approved, your Suriname visa will be emailed to the address you provided.
• Confirm all visa information is correct and matches your passport.
• Print out your Suriname visa, as a hard copy may be requested at the Suriname point of entry.
Suriname sticker visa
Foreign nationals applying for a Suriname visa through a Suriname embassy or foreign office should follow these steps:
- Complete visa application form
Fill out a Suriname visa application form with your personal details and other requested information.
- Submit visa application form
• Contact your nearest Suriname embassy, consulate or representation office to set an appointment (if applicable).
• Submit the Suriname visa application form and all required documents at your nearest Suriname embassy, consulate, or foreign mission abroad. - Pay the Suriname visa application fees
• The payment mode of the Suriname visa application fee will depend on the particular Suriname embassy or foreign office from where you are applying.
- Await visa decision
• Collect your approved Suriname visa from the Suriname embassy, consulate, or representation office where you applied.
• Make sure all information on the Suriname visa is correct and matches your passport.
Where to Apply for Suriname Visa
Suriname e-visas for tourism, business, and transit and Suriname tourist cards can be applied for online at the VFSA Global Suriname website. Foreign nationals applying for Suriname sticker visas, Authorizations for Temporary Stay (MKV), or Temporary Stay Visas (KV) should apply at their nearest Suriname embassy, consulate, or foreign mission abroad. While the Suriname MKV and KV are applied for through a Suriname foreign office, it is the Suriname Ministry of Justice and Police that gives final approvals and authorizations.
Suriname Visa Processing Time
Suriname e-visas are usually processed within 72 hours. For Suriname sticker visas, processing times may take several days or even months in some cases, depending on the Suriname visa type being applied for. Applicants are advised to start their application as early as possible in case of unforeseen delays. Foreigners applying for the Suriname MKV, through their nearest Suriname embassy or foreign office abroad, should apply at least 3 months prior to traveling to Suriname.
