Suriname Tourist Card – How to apply, Fees and Exemptions
If the purpose of your visit to Suriname is Tourism, please check if you are eligible for a Suriname Tourist Card. Fifty-two countries can apply for a Suriname Tourist Card; if your country falls into this category, this article is for you.
A visit to Suriname for tourism is an opportunity to see one of the smallest countries in South America. Besides, this country is famous for many other reasons. Foreign nationals who visit this country do so, more out of curiosity than a sense of adventure.
Suriname is probably the world’s most diverse country, populated by an interesting combination of all the tribes you can imagine – Asians, Dutch, Africans, Polynesians, and more. Even more fascinating is that this little country is a Caribbean country, even though it is not on an island. Fascinating, isn’t it? To find out more about Suriname, you must visit. But first, let’s find out if you’re one of the lucky nationals who can obtain a Suriname Tourist Card. If you are, let’s find out how to apply, how much it costs, and who is exempt.
About the Suriname Tourist Card
The Suriname Tourist Card is a single-entry short-term visa available for specific nationals as an alternative to a consular visa. This type of visa allows its holder to enter and stay in Suriname for up to 90 days for tourism. To be particular, the tourist card cannot be used for any other purpose but tourism.
Features of the Suriname Tourist Card
a. The Visa Card can only be used once. In other words, it is a single-entry card.
b. The Tourist visa card application does not require an application form.
c. The tourist card allows its holder to remain in Suriname for 90 days.
d. You can purchase another tourist visa card if you lose the first one.
e. It does not require much documentation. You only have to prove sufficient funds, a return ticket to your country of residence, and a valid passport to apply.
Who can apply for the Suriname Tourist Card?
If you are a member of any of the following countries, you have the option of applying for a Suriname Tourist Card or a consular visa for tourism:
- 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
- Philippines
- Portugal
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Turkey
- UAE
- United Kingdom
- USA
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Suriname Tourist Visa Card Exemptions
Here’s a list of some of the countries whose citizens can enter Suriname without a Tourist Visa Card:
Hong Kong (up to 90 days)
Japan (up to 90 days)
Russia (up to 90 days)
Countries whose citizens can enter Suriname without a Tourist Visa Card for up to 30 days
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Serbia
- South Korea
Countries whose citizens can enter Suriname with diplomatic or service passports
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Ecuador
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Requirements for a Suriname Tourist Card
To apply for the Suriname Tourist Card, you must meet the following requirements:
1. You must have a valid passport usable for at least six months from arrival, with at least one blank page for stamping.
2. A return flight ticket to your final destination, your country of residence. You must present this at the port of entry into Suriname.
3. Photograph size 3×4 cm
4. Birth Certificate (for minors)
5. You must provide a verifiable address of your accommodation in Suriname
6. You must show that you can support yourself during your stay in Suriname.
How to Apply for a Suriname Tourist Card
There are three simple steps to apply for a Suriname Tourist Card. They are:
Step #1. Register online and fill out an online application
You can do this through any of the country’s approved visa processing representatives or at the Suriname embassies’ visa department in the eligible countries. You must upload the required documents as well as provide the necessary information. Also, ensure that your details are the same as your passport’s. Any mistake will result in an invalid application. Furthermore, ensure you have a strong internet connection so the application process can go without hitches. Finally, please note that if you do not have a flight ticket to and from Suriname, you will not be able to fill out this form.
Step #2. Pay the visa fee
This is the next step after completing the application form and uploading the required documents. You will be directed to an online payment platform where you can pay the visa fee. If your credit or debit card is not enabled for international transactions, you can pay the fees with any card, not in your name. This means that anyone can pay the visa fee on your behalf.
Step #3. Download the Suriname Tourist Card Receipt
Your visa payment signals the completion of your application. Once you pay the fee, they will process your application. The decision on your application will be in a pdf file which you will download and print. This is your Tourist Visa Card to Suriname. You must carry a copy of this document with you always, probably on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Suriname Tourist Visa Card cost?
A Suriname Tourist Visa Card costs USD 40. This fee is non-refundable, no matter the outcome of your application. If you lose your visa card, you must apply for another one, which will cost you another USD 40.
What is the validity period of the Visa Card?
Your tourist visa card is valid for a maximum of 90 days, after which you must return to your country of residence. Bear in mind that this is a single-entry visa, meaning you can only enter the country once with it. If you wish to travel to Suriname again on a tourist visa, you must obtain another tourist card, and the same procedure applies.
What is the processing time for a Suriname Tourist Visa Card?
It takes about 72 hours (3 days) from the time of application to get a response on your Suriname Tourist Visa Card application. Within that time, you can track your application online. Once ready, you will receive the answer in your email and print a copy. Your tourist visa card does not guarantee entry into Suriname. The immigration officer at your port of entry has the authority to deny you entry if he suspects you will threaten the security of Suriname.
What is the difference between a Tourist Visa Card and a Consular Tourist Visa to Suriname?
A Tourist Card is a single-entry card, while a consular tourist visa is a multiple-entry visa. Secondly, with a tourist visa card, you can only stay in Suriname for 90 days, but with a consular tourist visa, you can stay for only two months with an option of 12 months. Thirdly, the processing time for a tourist visa card is three days, but a consular visa takes about 2 to 3 weeks. Fourthly, you can apply online for a Tourist Visa Card, but you must visit the country’s consular office in your country of residence to apply for a consular visa. Finally, the visa card does not require an application form, but a consular tourist visa does.
How soon can I apply for a Suriname Tourist Visa Card?
You can apply for a tourist visa card to Suriname as soon as you have your return flight ticket and other travel documents. However, you cannot fill out the application if you do not have these requirements.
Conclusion
It’s easy to enter Suriname with a tourist visa card, but there are two documents you must carry to avoid rejection. They are your valid passport which must be good for at least six months, and your printed tourist visa card. With these two, and if the immigration officer is convinced that you will not be a threat to the wellbeing of Surinameeans, you can enter this small but exciting country and enjoy the diversity of Suriname.
There’s so much to do in this country, from visiting the many heritage sites, and tasting their unique cuisines, to learning some of the languages the natives speak. If you feel up to it, there are sporting activities too. But one thing is sure – time flies in Suriname, and your Suriname Tourist Visa Card can only allow you to stay in the country for 90 days. So why not make a to-do list before you leave for Suriname, and make the most of your tourist period? And if you like the country so much, go ahead and get another Tourist Visa Card!
