As the country prepares to welcome visitors from around the world, the Explore Suriname Visa 2023 program provides an exciting opportunity for travelers to discover the many charms of this beautiful country. With its rich history, diverse cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, Suriname is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the wonders of South America. Suriname, a hidden gem in South America, is a land of vibrant cultures, lush rainforests, and stunning natural wonders. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure seeker, or culture enthusiast, Suriname offers a unique travel experience like no other.
Who must need a Suriname Visa to visit and stay in Suriname?
Foreign nationals who wish to visit and stay in Suriname typically need to obtain a visa, with a few exceptions. Citizens of some countries, such as the Netherlands, do not need a visa to enter Suriname for short-term stays. However, most visitors from other countries will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Suriname.
Nationals of the following mentioned countries are eligible to visit and stay in Guyana for up to 6 months;
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bonaire
- Brazil
- Curaçao
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Israel
- Jamaica
- Montserrat
- Saba
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sint Eustatius
- Sint Maarten
- Trinidad and Tobago
Nationals of the following mentioned countries are eligible to visit and stay in Guyana for up to 90 days;
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Russia
Nationals of the following mentioned countries are eligible to visit and stay in Guyana for up to 30 days;
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Serbia
- South Korea
Nationals of the following mentioned countries are eligible to visit and stay in Paraguay with only their diplomatic passports;
Documents required to apply for Suriname Visa
Here are the documents typically required for different purposes of the visit to Suriname:
Tourism
- A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry
- A completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses during the stay in Suriname
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Business
- A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry
- A completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- A letter from the employer or business partner in Suriname
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses during the stay in Suriname
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and hotel reservations
Study
- A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry
- A completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- A letter of acceptance from the educational institution in Suriname
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses during the study period
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and accommodation reservations
Employment
- A valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry
- A completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- A work permit from the Surinamese Ministry of Labor
- A letter of employment from the employer in Suriname
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover the expenses during the stay in Suriname
- Proof of travel arrangements, such as flight tickets and accommodation reservations
How to apply?
To apply for a visa to Suriname, you can follow these general steps:
- Check the Surinamese embassy or consulate website in your country to determine what type of visa you need, the application requirements, and the processing time.
- Download and complete the visa application form provided by the embassy or consulate.
- Gather all the required documents, including your passport, passport-size photos, travel itinerary, proof of funds, and any other required documents based on the purpose of your visit.
- Submit the visa application and all supporting documents to the Surinamese embassy or consulate in person, by mail, or through an authorized visa application center.
- Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the processing time.
- Wait for your visa application to be processed. The processing time can take several days to a few weeks, depending on the type of visa and the embassy or consulate’s workload.
- Once your visa is approved, you can collect your passport with the visa stamp from the embassy or consulate.
Also, check: Guyana Visa Process 2023
Suriname Tourist Card
The Suriname Tourist Card is an electronic travel authorization that allows tourists to enter and stay in Suriname for up to 90 days. The Tourist Card is designed to simplify the visa application process for eligible travelers and to encourage tourism to the country. The Tourist Card is only available to citizens of selected countries who are traveling to Suriname for tourism purposes.
To apply for a Suriname Tourist Card, eligible travelers must complete an online application form, provide their passport details and travel itinerary, and pay the processing fee using a credit or debit card. Once the application is submitted and approved, the traveler will receive a confirmation email with the Tourist Card attached as a PDF file.
The following mentioned countries are eligible to apply for a Suriname Tourist Card;
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Portugal
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- The United Kingdom
- Northern Ireland
- United States of America
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Travelers must print out the Tourist Card and present it to the immigration officer upon arrival in Suriname. The Tourist Card is valid for a single entry and allows travelers to stay in Suriname for up to 90 days.
Also, check: Requirements for Paraguay Visa 2023
Processing Time required for Suriname Visa
The processing time for a Suriname visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the embassy or consulate’s workload. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to process a visa application.
For the Suriname Tourist Card, the processing time is usually very quick, typically within a few business days. However, it’s still important to apply for the Tourist Card well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow enough time for processing and to avoid any last-minute complications.
Also, check: Peru Visa Process 2023
Suriname Visa Costs
The cost of a Suriname visa can vary depending on the type of visa, the length of stay, and the embassy or consulate where you apply. Here are some estimated costs for the most common types of Suriname visas:
- Tourist visa: ranges from $45 to $100 depending on the length of stay and embassy/consulate.
- Business visa: ranges from $60 to $150 depending on the embassy/consulate and length of stay.
- Student visa: varies depending on the embassy/consulate and the length of stay.
- Employment visa: varies depending on the embassy/consulate and the length of stay.
- For the Suriname Tourist Card, the processing fee is currently $35 USD per person, which is payable online using a credit or debit card.
Fun facts about Suriname
- Suriname is the smallest country in South America, but it is home to a diverse range of cultures and languages, including Dutch, English, Sranan Tongo, and several indigenous languages.
- Suriname is one of the most forested countries in the world, with over 90% of its land covered in tropical rainforest.
- The country has a rich biodiversity, with over 1,200 species of birds, 500 species of mammals, and 2,000 species of plants.
- Suriname was a Dutch colony until 1975 when it gained independence, but Dutch remains the official language.
- Suriname is home to the largest Hindu temple in the Western Hemisphere, the Shri Vishnu Mandir.
- The capital city, Paramaribo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a unique blend of Dutch colonial and Caribbean architecture.
- Suriname is famous for its gold mining industry, which has been a major source of revenue for the country since the 19th century.
- Suriname is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like pom (a casserole made with root vegetables and chicken), roti (a type of flatbread), and peanut soup.
- The country is home to a vibrant music scene, with genres like kaseko, which fuses African rhythms with jazz and soul music.
- Suriname is the only country in the world where Dutch is the official language, but it is not the majority language spoken by the population.
