Suriname Visa
Suriname, a country in South America, is known for its rich culture and diverse landscapes. If you’re planning a trip to Suriname, you’ll need to understand the visa requirements and how to apply for a Suriname visa or Tourist Card. Fortunately, the process is straightforward, and Suriname has a lenient visa policy. Here’s a guide that covers everything you need to know about visiting Suriname, including visa requirements, exemptions, and the application process.
Who Needs a Suriname Visa?
Before traveling to Suriname, you need to determine if you require a visa or a Tourist Card. Generally, you need a Suriname visa if you are:
- From a country that does not have a visa exemption agreement with Suriname.
- From a country that is not eligible for a Suriname Tourist Card.
- Exempt from visa requirements or eligible
for a Tourist Card, but intend to stay longer than the permitted duration (30 or 90 days).
Suriname Visa Exemptions
Citizens from several countries can enter Suriname without a visa for a specified period. The list includes:
- 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.
- Up to 90 days: Hong Kong, Japan, Russia.
- Up to 30 days: Malaysia, Philippines, Serbia, South Korea.
(*Only for holders of Dutch passports. **Only for holders of British Overseas Territories Citizen passports issued by Montserrat.)
Additionally, holders of diplomatic, official, or service passports from certain countries are exempt from visa requirements for visiting Suriname.
Suriname Tourist Card Eligibility
If you are from one of the following countries, you can apply for a Suriname Tourist Card online at least 72 hours before your travel:
- Eligible countries: 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, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Travelers with a Tourist Card can stay for a maximum of 90 days.
Suriname Visa Requirements
To apply for a Suriname visa, you need to meet specific requirements, depending on the type of visa. Here are the general requirements:
- Passport: Valid for at least six months from your intended entry into Suriname.
- Travel itinerary: Your travel plans, including your flight ticket or itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservations, booking confirmations, or invitation letters from a host in Suriname.
- Passport-sized photo: 3×4 cm with a white background, clear, and without shadows.
- Additional documents: Depending on the visa type, you may need business letters, medical reports, police certificates, proof of financial solvency, and more.
For a Suriname Tourist Card, the requirements are fewer, typically just a copy of your passport’s bio-page, your flight ticket or itinerary, and a passport-sized photo.
How to Apply for a Suriname Visa
The Surinamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles visa issuance but has outsourced the application process to a visa application agency. Here’s the step-by-step process for applying for a Suriname visa:
- Register Online: Go to the Suriname visa application website and create an account.
- Complete the Application: Answer all questions and provide the necessary information.
- Upload Documents: Attach the required documents in electronic format.
- Pay the Visa Fee: Use a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee and a service fee.
- Wait for Processing: The visa processing time is usually 72 hours.
- Receive Your Visa: The visa will be sent to your email. Print it and show it to the immigration officers upon arrival in Suriname.
How to Apply for a Suriname Tourist Card
The application process for the Suriname Tourist Card is similar to the visa application process:
- Register Online: Sign up on the Suriname visa application website.
- Upload Documents: Provide a copy of your passport’s bio-page, your flight ticket or itinerary, and a passport-sized photo.
- Pay the Fee: The cost for a Tourist Card is USD 40, plus a USD 14 service fee.
- Receive Your Tourist Card: You will receive the Tourist Card via email within approximately 72 hours. Print it out and show it at the airport in Suriname.
Suriname Visa Fees and Validity
The cost of a Suriname visa varies depending on the type and duration. Here is a summary of the visa fees:
- Suriname Tourist Visa:
- Single-entry (2 months): USD 45
- Multiple-entries (2 months): USD 45
- Multiple-entries (12 months): USD 210
- Suriname Tourist Card:
- Valid for 90 days: USD 40
- Suriname Business Visa:
- Multiple-entries (2 months): USD 60
- Multiple-entries (2 years): USD 360
- Multiple-entries (5 years): USD 100
- Suriname Transit Visa:
- Valid for 3 days: USD 15
Remember that you also need to pay a service fee when applying online.
Conclusion
Suriname is an exciting destination with a relatively lenient visa policy. By understanding the visa requirements and the application process, you can ensure a smooth entry into Suriname. Whether you’re traveling for tourism, business, or other purposes, knowing what to expect will help you prepare for your journey.