Last Updated: April 15, 2024

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should exercise normal precautions when traveling to Suriname. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Paramaribo as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Suriname, indicating that there is not widespread violent crime and/or robust organized crime present in the country, and that local law enforcement has demonstrated an ability to respond to serious crimes.

The police emergency line in Suriname is 115. Review the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Crime: General Threat

Around tourist areas, to include popular hotels, as well as in popular shopping and business districts, visitors are occasionally targets of crimes of opportunity. At Wakapasi, adjacent to Palm Garden (tourist area), several robberies have taken place such as phone and purse snatching. Furthermore, a shooting took place at ‘T Vat, a favorite tourist area right across from Royal Torarica hotel, where a well-known Surinamese rapper was shot to death in late August of 2023. The crime is still under investigation. Chinese shop owners throughout Suriname have also been targeted by criminals numerous times.

Traditional organized crime is not a factor in incidents of armed robbery, theft, or burglary in Paramaribo. However, well-armed regional/transnational gangs engage in criminal threats against industrial sites in Suriname’s interior, with small-scale gold miners particularly at risk. Accounts of gang activity in mining areas near the French Guiana border surface periodically in the media and by way of independent reporting.

Limited law enforcement presence in Suriname’s interior and border regions, gaps in training, and inadequate resources (to include lack of state-owned aircraft and an insufficient number of patrol vessels) limit the government’s capacity to control immigration and illicit activity fully in much of its territory. Residential crime (burglary) is an ongoing challenge for law enforcement in urban areas. Open-source media has reported instances of police recruits failing to meet local law enforcement training standards.

Several private security companies operating in Paramaribo specialize in mobile patrols by uniformed guards with marked vehicles or bicycles. Neighborhoods and local businesses often share the costs of services. Static security guard posts are less common than neighborhood patrols, with only some residences employing 24/7 fixed-position guard services. Cost remains the primary consideration in the decision to employ residential security guards, and the most professional services are generally only affordable to large institutions and corporations or wealthy individual clients.

The Global Organized Crime Index is a tool designed to measure levels of organized crime in a given country and assess its resilience to organized criminal activity. The most recent index ranks Suriname 115 out of 193 worldwide for criminality, with 1 being the worst possible ranking; and 170 out of 193 worldwide for resilience, with 1 being the best possible ranking. The criminality score is heavily impacted by the use of Suriname as a major transit country for cocaine en route to Europe, Africa and rampant illegal gold mining/trafficking, and concerns over corrupt state actors benefitting from such illicit activities. However, the sale or transport of other illicit drugs (heroin, cannabis, and synthetic drugs) remains low in Suriname, as does extortion, and mafia-style criminal groups remain largely absent. The country has also shown resilience against criminality by granting greater independence to the judiciary and creating an anti-corruption unit. Nonetheless, it still faces concerns over corruption and an outdated legal framework for combating organized crime. Lastly, Suriname has joined regional initiatives for crime prevention, made notable efforts to assist victims of human trafficking, and made progress on preventing environmental crimes in its interior.

Crime: Areas of Concern

While some areas of Paramaribo experience less violent crime than others, home burglary remains an issue in all districts. Criminals may move without restriction into and out of most neighborhoods, to include those where expatriates live, despite the presence of neighborhood security guard services. Criminals typically employ firearms or other weapons such as knives, machetes, or axes when conducting residential crimes. It is difficult to obtain a firearms permit (or an illegal weapon) in Suriname, but police report that people frequently purchase firearms in neighboring French Guiana and Brazil, or along drug trafficking routes, such as the Maroni River, a natural border between Suriname and French Guiana and then transport them over the border.

Avoid walking after dark in Paramaribo’s downtown-waterfront area and the Palmentuin (Palm Garden). Attempted thefts, robberies, and pickpocketing incidents have also occurred at the Combe Market complex and around the Central Market.

Outside of Paramaribo, robberies remain a concern in Albina and Moengo, the Brokopondo district, along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina, and along the Afobaka Highway in the district of Para.

Those venturing into Suriname’s interior should travel with an experienced guide and backup communications. Services offered through major hotels and tourist agencies are generally reliable. There have been reports of tourists robbed while traveling in the countryside, along with occasional reports of armed bandits on rural roads. Criminals have attacked and robbed groups of tourists, and have employed vehicles to block approaching vehicles of gold-mining companies. Criminals have also robbed and overpowered guests at vacation sites, and while crossing the river border with French Guiana.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Suriname. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Kidnapping is not a common occurrence. Of the instances known, many are related to personal or business conflicts. No kidnappings involving non-Surinamese nationals in Suriname have been reported to the U.S. Embassy.

Drug Crime

The Department of State’s International Narcotics Control Strategy Report recognizes Suriname as a transit zone for cocaine en route primarily to Europe and Africa. There are sporadic instances of violence, including murders and drive-by shootings, between associates of competing drug trafficking syndicates. Drug-trafficking activity and violence associated with criminal enterprises engaged in illegal gold mining increase risks to those visiting the interior of Suriname.

Drug trafficking is common as Suriname serves as a transshipment point for narcotics from South America. Drugs are transported both into and out of Suriname from neighboring countries. Ports, airports, and hidden runways are used.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information.

Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Paramaribo as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Suriname.

Terrorism: General Threat

There are no known indigenous Surinamese terrorist groups. Suriname has not been targeted by any known radical or terrorist groups. As a non-aligned country, Suriname is not the target of any known radical groups.

In 2017, two individuals with possible ties to ISIS were arrested. They were deported to the Netherlands and are permanently banned from reentering Suriname.

While there have been criminal threats against U.S. private-sector organizations in Suriname, none were terror related.

Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Paramaribo as being a LOW-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Suriname, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.

Elections/Political Stability

Suriname is a constitutional democracy with a president elected by the unicameral National Assembly. Elections for the National Assembly took place in May 2020. International observers considered these elections to be free and fair. In July 2020, the National Assembly elected Chandrikapersad Santokhi as president.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

Protests organized by pro- and anti-government groups as well as labor unions occur occasionally, and are generally neither disruptive nor well-attended. However, demonstrations continue as economic conditions worsen.

In 2022, protests as part of the “Organic Movement” gathered daily outside of Government buildings and garnered the support of a wide range of labor unions, political parties, and other civil society organizations. While there were occasional minor scuffles with police, the demonstrations were generally peaceful. On February 17, 2023, planned demonstrations against economic reforms turned to rioting and an assault on the National Assembly, looting of downtown stores also occurred. Since February 17, no other violent protest has occurred in Paramaribo.

Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

There are three major law enforcement and security entities in Suriname. The largest is the Suriname Police Corps (KPS), the department responsible for all traditional policing efforts. The KPS has five branches: (1) the Paramaribo Region Police cover the city limits of Paramaribo; (2) the Western Region Police cover Saramacca, Coronie, and Nickerie Districts; (3) the Mid Region Police cover Para, Wanica, and Brokopondo Districts; (4) the East Region Police cover Commewijne, Marowijne, and Sipaliwini Districts; and (5) an investigative and special tasks section takes responsibility for forensics, fraud, and homicide investigations. Military personnel and prison guards routinely ride in KPS patrol vehicles throughout Suriname to provide additional support.

The second-largest law enforcement/security entity in Suriname is the Military Police, a branch of the Surinamese Armed Forces that polices all members of the military and oversees border control and immigration functions.

The third-largest law enforcement/security entity is the Directorate of National Security, responsible for the protection of the President and government ministers, as well as for coordinating internal security and intelligence efforts.

There are credible reports that members of the security forces commit some abuses.

Police Response

Police officials frequently cite lack of basic equipment and resources, shortage of trained staff, and low morale as reasons for highly inconsistent emergency response times and the high percentage of unsolved crimes in Suriname.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

The emergency line in Suriname is 115.

Crimes can be reported in person or over the phone during business hours to any of the below police stations:

Within Paramaribo

Keizerstraat Station (Central Paramaribo): Keizerstraat 23, Tel: +597 471-111 / 477-777
Nieuwe Haven Station (Paramaribo South): Havenlaan, Tel: +597 403-101 / 402-535
Geyersvlijt Station (Paramaribo North): Basitostraat, Tel: +597 451-677 / 451-222
Latour Station: Indira Ghandiweg / Tamanoeastraat, Tel: +597 481-524 / 483-547
Livorno Station: Sir Winston Churchillweg, Tel: +597 481-941 / 483-400
Uitvlugt Station: Kasabaholoweg, Tel: +597 498-537 / 498-045

Outside Paramaribo

Lelydorp Station: Tel: +597 366-785 / 366-116
Zanderij Station : Tel: +597 325-222 / 325-144
Brokopondo Station: Tel: +597 880-4611 / 324-002
Coronie Station: Tel: +597 235-122 / 235-123
Nickerie Station: Tel: +597 231-530 / 231-222
Moengo Station: Tel: +597 341-321 / 341-280 (via Suralco)
Albina Station: Tel: +597 342-080 / 342-077

Transportation Security

Road Safety

Vehicle accidents are a considerable risk. In addition to driving on the left side, road conditions differ substantially from those in most U.S. cities. Drivers should be very cognizant of mopeds, scooters, and motorcycles especially when making left turns. According to local law, two-wheeled vehicles have the right-of-way and are equivalent to pedestrians. Drivers should also be alert for drempels, which are speed bumps placed on roads throughout Paramaribo and other cities and towns.

Police sporadically enforce local traffic laws. Driving while talking on a cell phone is illegal and may attract more stringent enforcement. On the other hand, drivers might openly consume alcohol from labeled containers, particularly during the holidays, without police enforcement. The government installed several hundred new security cameras around the city following the December 2018 launch of Paramaribo’s Safe City Project. The digital network, monitored centrally from a command center in Wanica district, consists of police, firefighters, and national security officers. Strategically positioned throughout Paramaribo, the cameras employ license plate-reader technology and infrared video capability.

Large potholes are common, especially during the rainy season. Roads often do not contain traffic lines or traffic lights. Many main roads do not have sidewalks, forcing 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 lack maintenance, and sinkholes develop along the road during the rainy season. Watch for slow-moving traffic or animals. Exercise caution at night due to poor lighting and sharp road turns without adequate warning signs. There are few service stations along the road, and no Western-style rest stops. Check with the police station in Albina for the latest safety information regarding travel between Paramaribo and Albina. Roads in the interior are sporadically maintained dirt/laterite roads passing through sparsely populated rainforest. 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.

For minor vehicle accidents, both parties must fill out insurance forms and take photos of the scene and damages. If involved in a serious motor vehicle accident, drivers must leave the vehicle exactly where the accident occurred and stay on-scene until the police arrive to make a report. Police will respond to collisions in which vehicles are seriously damaged and cannot move, as well as in cases of grievous bodily harm, driving without a driver’s license, or driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicants. Wait time depends on the distance from the nearest police precinct, but wait times in Paramaribo vary from 15-30 minutes, according to insurance officials. If the driver leaves the scene before police arrive and fails to report to the police within four hours, police may charge them with leaving the scene of an accident and fault them with criminal intent.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

Visitors unfamiliar with Suriname should carefully consider the risks of using public transportation, such as minibuses, especially outside Paramaribo; avoid using motorcycles and scooters. Serious speeding accidents often involving buses or vans are common along the three highways leading out of Paramaribo. Reputable taxis services are reliable for travel to the international airport and between towns. Not all taxis are clearly marked, and some may not have a meter. Verify the price or meter before entering a taxi, or book taxis through a hotel concierge.

Aviation Concerns

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Suriname’s Civil Aviation Authority as being compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Suriname’s air carrier operations.

Visitors to Suriname should be aware that Pengel International airport (PBM) is more than an hour's drive from Paramaribo.

Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Maritime Security

The government of Suriname struggles to keep undocumented immigrants out. The river between Suriname and French Guiana sees daily crossings of people and goods undetected by the respective authorities. Undocumented crossings between Guyana and Suriname are known to occur through the unregulated Backtrack route, through the Corantijn River.

The government has ordered the maritime police to support the Suriname Coast Guard in protecting the coasts. However, manpower and equipment are in short supply to adequately cover the coast and rivers.

Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

Suriname is a culturally diverse society with harmonious relationships among its ethnic groups. Suriname primarily consists of Creoles, Maroons, and the descendants of Indian and Javanese contract workers. Suriname also contains a long-established Chinese community that is growing in size with new arrivals from mainland China.

Significant human rights issues included examples of government efforts to restrict freedom of expression, primarily through existing criminal libel laws. Suriname has investigated serious acts of grand corruption; and some of the worst forms of child labor continue, especially in the informal gold sector. The government took steps to investigate, prosecute, and punish officials who committed human rights abuses. Corruption cases were investigated, and the government implemented the laws on corruption effectively at times. Suriname has also been condemned by the Inter American Court of Human Rights for failing to respect the collective rights of its indigenous and tribal peoples.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

There is no specific legislation criminalizing sexual harassment, but prosecutors cite various penal code articles in filing sexual harassment cases. There have been no reported court cases involving sexual harassment in the workplace.

Stalking is a criminal offense, and police may investigate possible cases of stalking without filing a formal complaint. Pending investigation, police may issue temporary restraining orders limiting contact between victim and suspect for up to 30 days. If found guilty, offenders can receive prison sentences ranging from four to 12 years and a large fine. The government enforces the law effectively.

The law provides for the protection of women’s right to equal access to education, employment, and property. Nonetheless, women experience discrimination in access to employment and in rates of pay for the same or substantially similar work as men. No law specifically addresses sexual harassment in the workplace. The law does not mandate equal pay for equal work.

The Solo Female Travel Safety Index combines the experiences of solo female travelers with other reliable indices to award a single rating indicating the relative security female travelers might experience in a given country. The qualitative portion of the index examines risk of scam, theft, and harassment, as well as the country’s perceived attitude towards women. As of the date of this report’s publication, Suriname has a score of 1.5 on a scale of 1.0 (safest) to 4.0 (least safe). All solo female travelers are able to share their solo travel experiences by signing up with the Solo Female Travelers portal; the organization draws qualitative data from women traveling solo, depending on active participation and honest information.

Consider composite scores given to Suriname by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Suriname, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

There are few official reports of violence against LGBTI+ persons, possibly due to fear of retribution against the alleged victims and because authorities reportedly do not take seriously complaints filed by members of the LGBTI+ community.

The law prohibits discrimination and hate speech based on sexual orientation, specifically protecting the LGBTI+ community. Violations are punishable by a fine or prison sentence of up to one year. The law does not set standards for determining what constitutes such discrimination or hate speech. The law on retirement benefits specifically excludes same-sex couples from benefits granted to heterosexual couples. Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Suriname.

The Equaldex Equality Index measures the status of LGBTI+ rights, laws, and freedoms, as well as public attitudes towards LGBTI+ people around the world. As of this report’s publication date, Suriname has a score of 38/100, ranking 102 out of 198 countries on the index, with the higher scores indicating greater legal rights for LGBTI+ groups.

Consider information from Destination Pride, a data-driven search platform associated with PFLAG Canada that visualize the world's LGBTQ+ laws, rights, and social sentiment; as well as from ILGA World, a worldwide federation that produces an annual map showing sexual orientation laws from around the world, available in multiple languages.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

No laws specifically prohibit discrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities. Persons with disabilities are eligible to receive general health benefits, but the process can be cumbersome. Persons with disabilities experience discrimination when applying for jobs and services. Authorities provide some training programs for persons with impaired vision or other disabilities. No laws or programs provide that people with disabilities have access to buildings.

Sidewalks throughout Suriname do not accommodate people with disabilities adequately. Taxis and other public transportation do not provide proper assistance to individuals with disabilities. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

Religious and ethnic violence in Suriname is rare. Surinamese are known to express pride in national socio-cultural and confessional harmony. While there are no reported cases of governmental or societal violence against members of racial, ethnic, or national minorities, there has been an increase in racial discrimination and ethnically focused messaging on social media.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

There is very little anti-U.S. sentiment in Suriname. Surinamers import U.S. goods and services, including movies, music, food, and clothing.

The governments of Suriname and the United States have expanded bilateral cooperation since a new Surinamese government came to power in July 2020.

After years of limited engagement, Suriname eagerly seeks improved military-to-military ties as a means to publicly demonstrate a closer partnership with the United States, a contrast with the previous government’s moves closer to China, Russia, and Venezuela.

Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. The government generally observes these requirements.

The law provides criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government implements the law effectively at times. Cases reported to the Attorney General’s Office are investigated. There are numerous reports that officials engaged in corrupt practices, including accusations from political opponents, civil society, and media. The government has strengthened its capacity to investigate and prosecute alleged cases of corruption. Different government entities have signed cooperation agreements to share information and potential evidence for use in prosecuting alleged cases of corruption.

The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index measures how the rule of law is experienced and perceived worldwide based on surveys in 139 countries and jurisdictions, and is the leading source for original, independent data on the rule of law. The most recent index ranks Suriname 81 out of 139 worldwide, where 1 means the strongest perceived rule of law.

Communication Issues

Although the press is generally free to report on what it wants, self-censorship exists, partly due to historical legacy and partly due to the small-town nature of the country. For a small market, Suriname boasts a well-developed media industry both in print and broadcast media. Some journalists suspect their electronic communications are monitored, and they say pressure to not investigate certain topics still exists, just not as overtly. Very little investigative reporting is done. Government opacity makes it more difficult for journalists to obtain even basic facts, as no laws exist that facilitate access to public information. Fact-checking is infrequent.

There are no government restrictions on access to the internet, and the government asserts it does not monitor private, online communications without appropriate legal oversight. Research shows most people in Suriname are online, with the majority on social media (an estimated 60% of the population).

The constitution provides for freedom of expression, including for members of the press and other media. While there are no formal restrictions on the press, actions by government and nongovernment actors impede the ability of independent media to conduct their work. Freedom of expression is enshrined in the constitution, and private citizens are generally able to engage in discussions of a sensitive or political nature without fear of retribution or surveillance.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Suriname 52 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom in the World report rates Suriname’s freedom of speech as free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad.

Health Concerns

The emergency line in Suriname is 115; reach EMS by dialing 113. Medical standards, particularly for severe trauma, are below those expected in the U.S. Medical specialists may not always be available. In general, hospital facilities are not air conditioned.

There is one public emergency room in Paramaribo and only a small ambulance fleet with limited first response capabilities. Ambulance dispatchers may be challenging to reach by phone. Do not rely upon ambulatory services in case of life-threatening emergencies. Typically, responding police officers will contact the Academic Hospital emergency room in Paramaribo to send an ambulance, which may take a significant amount of time, depending on the location of the call. Emergency medical care outside Paramaribo is limited and is virtually non-existent in the interior of the country.

Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on health insurance overseas.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Suriname. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Strongly consider COVID-19 vaccination prior to all travel.

For entry into Suriname, if arriving from or transiting through counties with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission, the Government of Suriname requires proof of Yellow Fever vaccination or a letter from a doctor stating that you have a legitimate medical reason for not receiving the Yellow Fever vaccine, if you have not been vaccinated.

Dengue is prevalent. Malaria does not occur in most of the coastal area of Suriname, including Paramaribo. However, the risk increases at the border with French Guiana.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are available in pharmacies in Paramaribo, but U.S. brands may not be available, and the quality cannot be assured. There are frequent prescription medication shortages. You can bring medications for personal use. Suriname does not maintain a list of illegal medications. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

Water Quality

In Paramaribo, tap water is generally potable. In many other areas, tap water is not potable – boil or filter water for drinking.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

Flooding and standing water occur regularly in Paramaribo during the rainy seasons (May-August, November-February). Driving can be difficult or dangerous in some areas, and Paramaribo’s canals occasionally flood past street-level, making it difficult to determine where the road ends and canals begin. Due to poor drainage, floodwater can last several days.

Over 80% of the country is uninhabited rainforest. Hazards such as toxic flora, venomous fauna, vector-borne diseases, and gun traps, paired with insufficient medical infrastructure and challenging extraction/rescue conditions, increase the risk of travel in the interior.

Suriname is known for its relentless sun and mosquitos.

Cybersecurity Concerns

Suriname has been susceptible to transnational cybercrimes including computer banking trojans, malware, and ransomware.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.

Counterintelligence Issues

There are no known counterintelligence issues in Suriname.

Other Security Concerns

Landmines

There are no known landmines in Suriname, however, guns rigged as animal traps are common in the interior. In 2007, such a trap killed a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer.

Import/Export Restrictions

Authorities enforce strict regulations concerning firearms, artifacts, medications, and business equipment. There are no known restrictions on satellite phones, however, Suriname's telecommunications authority said the U.S. firm Starlink is illegal.

A country-specific listing of items prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

Photography throughout Suriname, including external buildings, is acceptable.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

International visitors should carry their passports or copies of their passports and relevant visas.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

There is concern among some media professionals that the government may monitor telecommunications and personal movement. State-owned entities administer the major telecommunications systems. Telephone and internet service can be problematic, especially during periods of heavy rain. Parts of the country’s interior do not have reliable cell phone reception.

OSAC Country Chapters

The Regional Security Office routinely meets with U.S. private-sector security directors and business leaders in Suriname. The U.S. Embassy also maintains relationships with members of the U.S. business community through the Economic Section, the Business and Educational Resource Center (BERC), the Surinamese Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), and the Rotary Clubs of Suriname.

Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.

Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy: Kristalstraat 165, Paramaribo. Tel: +597 556-700; After-hours Emergencies: +597 710-1112. Business Hours: Monday-Friday 0730 to 1600.

Trustworthy News Sources

Four daily newspapers dominate journalism in Suriname and produce most of the original reporting. All are independently owned.

De Ware Tijd is owned by the Jong Tjien Fa family. It has the second-largest newspaper circulation. This paper is printed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The Times of Suriname, owned by businessman Dilip Sardjoe, is published by Rudisa Broadcasting Communications and Publications. This daily has the largest circulation.
Dagblad Suriname is owned by the Pierkhan family and published under the Rapar Broadcasting Network, together with Radio Rapar and RBN TV.
De West is a daily newspaper and the oldest publication in Suriname. It is owned by the Findlay family.
Parbode Magazine is a monthly publication that produces high-quality features and investigative pieces written primarily by freelancers, including Dutch and Belgian correspondents. About 5,000 copies are sold monthly in Suriname and the Netherlands.

Radio:

Radio Boskopu (93.5 FM) and Radio SRS (FM 96.3) are government-owned.
Radio ABC (101.7 FM) is owned by the Kamperveen family.
Apintie (97.1 FM) was launched in 1958 by the Vervuurt family.

Online Media:

Suriname Country Security Report