Suriname Visa – Application and Requirements

Do you want a change of environment? Learn about Suriname visa requirements and find out what type of visa you will need for visiting Suriname.

The Suriname government issues visas for tourists, students, businessmen, investors, diplomats, and workers.

The visa system in Suriname has evolved. In the early 1990s, the government introduced a visa policy called “Visa Surinam” (VS). This program was designed to attract foreign investors to invest in Suriname.

Since then, Surinamese visas have become increasingly complex. Today, Suriname offers visas: Study, business, and work visas. In terms of duration, these differ from one another, including application procedure and requirements.

Location of Suriname

Suriname is a very small beautiful country found on the northeastern coast of South America. However, It is bounded by French Guiana to the east, Guyana to the west, and Brazil to the south. Originally, the country was about the size of Georgia and had just over half a million population. Meanwhile, the official language is Dutch, which is spoken by about two-thirds of the population. English, Sranan Tongo (a Creole language), and Hindustani are also spoken.

What is a Suriname Visa?

A Suriname visa is an identification card issued to foreign nationals who want to travel to the Republic of Suriname. However, the card allows the holder to stay in the country for a specific period. Also, the visa serves as a form of identification for the holder while in Suriname.

In other words, it is a document that is given to identify the bearer as a citizen of their country and allows them to travel to and enter Suriname. However, it would help if you got the visa before traveling to Suriname, usually available at the Suriname embassy or consulate in the bearer’s country of residence. In addition, several different types of visas are available, depending on the purpose of the visit.

Who will Need a Suriname Visa?

You do not and cannot require this visa if you are a citizen of a country exempt from the visa requirements below:

You are not required to get a visa or a Tourist Card but wish to stay for more than thirty or ninety days.

Then, if you are from one of the following countries, you can stay in Suriname for up to ninety days without acquiring a visa.

• Russia
• Hong Kong
• Japan

Also, Suriname is under the visa waiver program from one of the following countries: You do not need to have a visa for up to thirty days if you are from the below countries:

• Philippines
• South Korea
• Malaysia
• Serbia

Then, from a diplomatic, official, or service passport issued by one of the following countries below, you do not need a visa:

Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Japan, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

Suriname General Visa Requirements

Generally, for you to obtain a Visa, you will have to meet the following conditions:

• The bio page of your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the departure date.
• Your itinerary (not your airplane ticket), proof of lodging, and Suriname (hotel reservation, booking, letter of invitation, etc.).
• 3 x 4 cm (passport size) White background No shadows, glare, or over or underexposure. Also, you are required to be facing forward; Your entire face must be visible.
• If your prescription glasses cannot comprise your entire face, sunglasses and glasses with wide frames may not be of use.
• Certain religious headgear must not cover your eyes.
• Other varieties of headwear (hats, headbands, etc.) They will not permit it.

Types of Suriname Visas and their Requirements 

#1. Suriname Business Visa:

A business visa is a type of visa necessary for individuals traveling to the county to conduct business. However, Business visas are typically valid for a period ranging from several weeks to several months. Meanwhile, it allows the holder to stay in the host country for a specific purpose, such as meeting with business partners or attending a trade show.

Suriname Business Visa Requirements

The specific requirements for this type of visa include:

• Reference letter from the business associate in Suriname Extract Certificate of Trade License ( must be valid )
• Invitation letter from the relevant entity.
• If you are looking for a visa for volunteer work, business activities, etc.
• Medical report or health certificate. ( within three months)
• Police certificate from your country. (Proving you have good conduct )
• Proof of financial solvency. (For example, bank statements).

#2. Suriname Study Visa

The Study Visa is a visa for students who want to study in Suriname. The visa allows students to stay in the country for their studies.

Requirements for Suriname Study Visa

To obtain a Suriname Study Visa, you will meet the following conditions:

• A Letter of acceptance (if applicable).
• Acceptance letter in English
• Recommendation Letter (from the new employer and previous institutions).

#3. Suriname Work Visa

This allows you to work in Suriname. However, to get a Suriname work visa, you must first find a job in Suriname. Once you have found a job, the employer will help you get a visa.

Requirements for the Suriname Work Visa

The following requirements are necessary for the Work Visa:

• The records of your business license and diplomas as stored in the company.
•  A written contract with the job description
• A copy of your professional life and career milestones can be necessary.

#4. Suriname Family Reunion Visa

A Suriname Family Reunion Visa allows family members of a Surinamese citizen to travel to and stay in Suriname for up to ninety days. Meanwhile, the visa is available to the spouse, children, and parents of the Surinamese citizen.

Requirements for a Suriname Family Reunion Visa

The requirements for this visa involve:

• Your spouse’s birth certificate or other documentation that shows a familiar relationship may be necessary in place of a marriage registration certificate.
• A statement of your sponsor in Suriname may also be necessary in place of the marriage registration certificate.

Requirements For minors

• The embassy will require proof of consent from parents along with a current. Also, a previous copy of the family record birth certificate where necessary if the minor is traveling alone, the minor is traveling with only one parent (with permission from the other parent). Also, if adopted under legal guardianship.
• A copy of the judicial decision
• Several documents, such as birth certificates, must be valid before they can accept.

How can I Apply for a Suriname Visa?

To apply for this, you must first go to the Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and complete any visa application.

However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Suriname then decides whether or not to approve or deny your visa. Meanwhile, the agency that processes visa submissions on behalf of the Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs receives the visa requests, makes a decision, and delivers the results.

Application process

To apply, for the steps below:

First, go to the visa application website here. Then, answer all the questions and enter all the necessary information. Also, Collect the necessary documents and make electronic copies of them and attach them to the Suriname visa online application system.

However, you can see the necessary documents for a Suriname Visa under the Visa Requirements above.

Secondly, pay the Suriname Visa Fee electronic payment fee.

Note, you will need to additionally pay a service fee.

Finally, you will receive your visa via email.

Then, print it and show it to the Immigration Officers at the entry point in Suriname.

How can I Apply for a Suriname Tourist Card?

The process for applying for a Suriname Tourist Card is similar to that of applying for a visa. However, you need to register on the application website, submit the required forms, and pay any fees.

Furthermore, the difference with a visa is that you can submit fewer documents. You simply need to provide the following documents to obtain a Suriname Tourist Card:

• Your flight ticket or itinerary
• A picture with a three × 4-centimeter aspect and a white background After you submit your application form

However, you will receive an email with your Tourist Card in approximately 72 hours.

Also, you must print it out and show it to the Immigration Officers at the Suriname airport together with your travel document.

Read Also: Guyana Visa Requirements – How to apply, Fees and validity

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I Receive the Suriname Visa or Tourist Card?

You will receive a visa or Tourist Card at your email address.

Fortunately, you can download the application on the website and use it to obtain the visa at the airport check-in desks. Also, you must print it out and take it with you when you are checking your passport.

How long does it take to process a Suriname Visa?

The visa application is processed in under 72 hours but may take place during holidays. If it takes longer than five days to process, please contact the visa agency that’s handling your application.

How Long Does a Suriname Visa Last?

A visa can be given for the following durations:

The Suriname tourist visa is valid for two months (single or multiple-entry).

This is valid for two years (multiple-entry).

Also, the transit visa is valid for three days. Suriname travel visas are valid for three days.

Can I get a Suriname Visa on arrival?

Yes, you can get it on arrival. Also, you will need to have a valid passport, and you will need to pay the visa fee.

Is Suriname a nice country for students?

Suriname is a great place for students! However, the people are friendly and welcoming, and there are plenty of opportunities to engage in the community. In addition, the country is also home to some of the best universities in South America. Therefore, students will be able to get a world-class education.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are three types of visas available for Suriname, the application process is easy, and the requirements are not too stringent. However, the visa duration is only valid for some months. So be sure to apply for your visa well in advance of your travel date.