Suriname, the smallest sovereign state in South America, revised its visa policy significantly in May 2023. As of May 2023, most nationalities can visit visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, but are required to pay a USD 50 entry fee online before arrival. Specific categories of travelers are exempt from this fee, while 21 nationalities are required to obtain an e-Visa or regular visa before travel. Haiti is entirely refused entry and transit.

2. Visa-Free Access (from May 2023)

Most visitors can enter Suriname visa-free for up to 90 days. However, all visitors (except those in fee-exempt categories below) must pay a USD 50 entry fee online before arrival. This fee is mandatory and must be paid through the official Suriname e-immigration portal.

Visa-Free Entry — Key Conditions • Duration: Up to 90 days • USD 50 entry fee required online before arrival (for most nationalities) • Must be paid via official e-immigration portal before departure • Applies to most nationalities worldwide (except those requiring e-Visa/visa)

3. Entry Fee Exemptions

The following categories of travelers are exempt from the USD 50 entry fee and may enter Suriname without paying:

Exempt from USD 50 Entry Fee • CARICOM member state nationals (Caribbean Community) • Holders of diplomatic passports (any nationality) • Holders of official passports (any nationality) • Holders of service passports (any nationality) • Holders of United Nations (UN) laissez-passer / UN passports • Holders of Interpol passports / travel documents • Holders of PSA (Personal Service Agreement) documents

4. Countries Requiring e-Visa or Regular Visa

As of May 2023, nationals of the following 21 countries must obtain an e-Visa or a regular visa from a Surinamese embassy before traveling to Suriname. They are not eligible for the visa-free or visa-on-arrival facility:

21 Countries Requiring e-Visa or Advance Visa • Afghanistan • Angola • Bangladesh • Cameroon • Cuba • Dominican Republic • Egypt • Eritrea • Ghana • India • Kenya • Nepal • Nigeria • Pakistan • Somalia • South Africa • Sri Lanka • Syria • Tunisia • Venezuela • Zambia

5. Haiti — Entry and Transit Refused

Haitian nationals are refused both entry and transit through Suriname. This restriction applies regardless of the type of travel document held.

6. CARICOM Member States

As a CARICOM member, Suriname allows nationals of other CARICOM member states to enter without a visa and without paying the entry fee. CARICOM member states include:

CARICOM Member States (Fee-Free Entry) • Antigua and Barbuda • Bahamas • Barbados • Belize • Dominica • Grenada • Guyana • Haiti (note: entry refused despite CARICOM membership) • Jamaica • Montserrat • Saint Kitts and Nevis • Saint Lucia • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines • Trinidad and Tobago

7. Online Entry Fee Payment

Travelers subject to the USD 50 entry fee must complete payment before departure. The payment is made through Suriname’s e-immigration portal. Upon payment, travelers receive a receipt or confirmation that must be shown at the port of entry.

Online Entry Fee Process • Visit Suriname’s official e-immigration portal before travel • Pay USD 50 using an accepted payment method (credit/debit card) • Receive digital confirmation/receipt • Print or save the confirmation to present upon arrival • Payment must be completed before boarding a flight to Suriname

8. General Entry Requirements

All visitors to Suriname must meet these requirements:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the intended stay
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the visit
• Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
• Paid entry fee receipt (if applicable) or proof of exemption
• Valid visa or e-Visa (for nationals of the 21 restricted countries)

9. Important Notes

Important Reminders • The USD 50 entry fee MUST be paid online before travel — it cannot be paid on arrival • Even visa-free travelers must pay the fee (unless exempt) • Haitian passport holders will be refused boarding by airlines • Entry via Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (main international airport) • Verify current requirements at the Suriname e-immigration portal before travel