Suriname

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 115 for police
• Dial 113 for ambulance
• Dial 110 for fire. 

Crime

There is limited police presence outside of Paramaribo.  Pickpocketing and robbery are common in Paramaribo’s business and shopping districts. Principal concerns include burglary, armed robbery, and home invasions.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and don’t display large amounts of money in public.
• Don’t walk alone at night, particularly in the immediate vicinity of major tourist hotels.
• Avoid the Palm Garden area (“Palmentuin” in Dutch) after dark.
• Drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
• Avoid leaving bags, luggage, and valuables in vehicles in plain sight.
• Avoid travel at night or during periods of potential civil unrest.
• Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution when using ATMs.
• The cities of Albina and Moengo
•  Brokopondo district
• Along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina
• Along the Afobakka Highway in the district of Para
• Exercise caution in casinos and sports betting establishments due to connections with local criminal organizations.
• If you plan to travel outside Paramaribo, use a well-established tour company. Robberies are of concern in: 
  • The cities of Albina and Moengo
  •  Brokopondo district
  • Along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina
  • Along the Afobakka Highway in the district of Para

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 115.

Some operators may not speak English. U.S. citizens may also contact the U.S. embassy at +597-556-700 during business hours or +597-710-1112 during evenings and weekends.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and/or local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S.  embassy and local law enforcement.
• Dial +597-888-7477 to contact Suriname’s Victim’s Assistance Office (Bureau Slachtofferzorg) at the Ministry of Justice and Police.
  • The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Visitors and residents should follow all applicable restrictions related to operating drones. Contact the Civil Aviation Authority of Suriname (CASAS) for details.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Suriname seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States. 

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Suriname. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Suriname prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is not always enforced.
• The most common types of accessibility may include facilities.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, and general infrastructure. There are very few sidewalks in the city and limited availability of designated parking spaces for people with disabilities.
• General public sentiment around disability is supportive. However, many buildings and public accommodations do not meet U.S. accessibility standards.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Suriname Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 113 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

Ambulance services are not present or are unreliable in most areas except Paramaribo and Nickerie.  

• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment. 
• They may not be staffed with trained paramedics. They often have little or no medical equipment. 
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Suriname if you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment may bar future travel to Suriname.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available in Paramaribo and Nickerie. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies. 
• Hospitals and doctors typically require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff are available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• Private hospital-based care is only available in Paramaribo.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check with the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Labor to ensure the medication is legal in Suriname.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Not all pharmacies carry prescription medicines, and some may only offer over the counter medications.  Full-service pharmacies in Suriname are often called “Apotheek” or “Botica”.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.
• Suriname allows the importation of medication on the International Narcotics Control Board’s Yellow List only if accompanied by a prescription. Travelers should avoid carrying Yellow List narcotics without a prescription. Please review the Yellow List.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to Suriname to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Suriname with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents.  Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Suriname courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Suriname via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality & food safety

Tap water can be consumed with caution in Paramaribo. Outside of Paramaribo, tap water should not be consumed.

• Water shortages can occur during dry periods.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Suriname.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Cars drive on the left side of the road. 
• Large potholes are common, especially during the rainy season.
• Roads often are not marked with traffic lines.
• Many main roads do not have sidewalks. This forces pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles to share the same space.
• Many roads flood, and cars with low clearance may have problems.
• The East-West Highway stretches from Nieuw Nickerie in the west to Albina in the east. Parts of the road are not well maintained, and during the rainy season, sinkholes develop along the road.
• Watch for slow-moving traffic or animals.
• There are few service stations along the road, and western-style rest stops are non-existent.
• Roads in the interior are dirt roads passing through sparsely populated rain forest. Bridges are in poor condition. Conditions deteriorate rapidly during the rainy season.
• There are no lights, service stations, or emergency call boxes along the roads.
• Consult with your hotel or tour provider regarding road conditions.

Traffic laws 

• Seat belts are required.
• Driving while talking on a cell phone is illegal. You must use a hands-free device.
• You need an international driver’s license to rent a car.
• Daily hazards include excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits, unusual right of way patterns, poorly maintained roads, relatively few traffic lights, and a lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles.
• If you are in a significant accident, leave your car where the accident occurred, call the police, and wait until police arrive.

Taxis and ride-shares

Not all taxis are clearly marked, and some may not have a meter.

• Verify the price or meter before entering the taxi.
• Use hotel concierge taxis.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Public and commercial transportation

Avoid using public minibuses due to unsafe driving habits and poor maintenance.

• Avoid using motorcycles or scooters.
• Visit the website of Suriname’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that Suriname’s Civil Aviation Authority meets international standards for aviation safety oversight.  FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Suriname should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Suriname ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures.  Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Suriname ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory. Mariners and passengers in Suriname ports should exercise caution and implement enhanced security measures.

Weather and natural disasters

Helpful resources

• National Coordination Center for Disaster Management (NCCR): Leads disaster response.
• Meteorological Service Suriname (MDS): Issues weather forecasts and warnings.
• Ministry of Public Works: Manages flood and coastal protection.

Weather conditions

• Flooding: Most likely to occur all year except in March, September, October and November.  
• Thunderstorms and lightning: Possible throughout the year.
• Drought: Most likely to occur from August to November.
• Coastal erosion and high tides: Most likely to occur all year, especially with heavy rain.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates