Internationals tourists can now apply for Suriname

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the oldest democracy in the Western Hemisphere! Suriname is a small, but a culturally rich country that’s situated on the northeastern coast of South America. Officially known as the Republic of Suriname, the country has a population of just over 500,000 people and covers an area of 163,000 square kilometers. Despite its small size, there’s plenty to see and do in Suriname. From its bustling capital city, Paramaribo, to pristine jungle landscapes. It has definitely wonders of things to explore for international tourists.  So you're planning a trip to Suriname? You'll be exploring one of the world's least-visited nations! The majority of people have never heard of Suriname. Suriname is South America's tiniest independent country, with a total of little more than half a million people. While many people travel to Brazil (or Colombia, Peru, or Bolivia) to visit the Amazon basin, journeys into the Amazon in Suriname are wilder and less touristy.

Although tourism exists in this country, it is still in development. In the capital, Paramaribo, there are a few visitors, but not many.

VISA

• No visa is necessary for tourists.
• Visa for business is required.
• Visa for students is required.

E-visas and tourist cards

Tourist cards are only good for one entry and will expire in 90 days. You must apply for your tourist card or e-visa online before arriving in Suriname. Stays of many days are possible. If you plan to stay in Suriname for more than three months, you must first get an Authorization for Temporary Stay (also known as an MKV) from the nearest Surinamese embassy. If you are visiting Suriname on a tourist or business visa, you will not be able to petition for residency.

Registration

After 30 days in Suriname, all tourists must report to the Immigration Section's police services within one week to get an extension-of-stay stamp.

Traveling with children

Minors under the age of 18 who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian should have the following documents:

• Completed informed consent from one parent or legal guardian verifying the trip dates of travel.
• photocopy of one of the parents' or legal guardians' passports as proof of parental rights or legal custody.

SOME COVID-19 PREVENTATIVE MEASURES AND RESTRICTIONS

Most countries have undertaken preventative measures and limitations in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19 which include:

• Curfews, movement limitations, and lockdowns are only a few examples.
• In some cases, the requirement is to wear a face mask, a surgical or respirator mask.
• Accessibility to public and private facilities and places, such as transportation, restaurants, and historic landmarks, requires confirmation of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result.

VACCINES

• Regardless of your vacation destination, make sure your regular immunizations are up to date, as required by your province or territory.
• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza, and other vaccinations are among them.

Some other vaccines

While visiting this nation, you may be exposed to these vaccine-preventable illnesses.

• COVID-19 
• Hepatitis A 
• Hepatitis B 
• Influenza 
• Measles 
• Yellow Fever

SAFETY MEASURES REGARDING VARIOUS CRIMES

Outside of Paramaribo, there are few police officers.

Petty Offenses

In Paramaribo and the neighboring districts, petty crime such as picking pockets and wallet stealing is frequent. The regions around prominent hotels, as well as major commercial centers and retail areas, are severely affected.

Robbery from vehicles and stolen cars is also common. Criminals frequently attack tourists.

Keep the following things in mind: 

• At all times, make sure your things, especially passports as well as other travel papers, are safe.
• Do not flaunt your wealth.
• Outside of the near neighborhood of big hotels, avoid wandering by yourself after midnight.

Crimes of Violence

Armed robbery, mugging, and car stealing are common forms of violent crime in Paramaribo. The Palm Garden ("Palmentuin") in Paramaribo's Dutch district is notorious for its illegal activities and lack of police presence. Robberies are also a major source of concern. 

Gangs are reported to operate along the border with Guyana in the cities of Albina and Moengo, along the East-West route between Paramaribo and Albina, and along the Afobakka Highway in the districts of Para and Brokopondo. Traveling to this location is riskier due to the absence of police presence.

• When leaving your car alone, keep the windows closed and the doors locked.
• Always drive with your car windows closed. 

DRUGS

• Substances Possession, usage, and trafficking of illicit drugs carry harsh penalties. Convicted criminals might anticipate long prison terms, hefty fines, or both. Keep a tight eye on your luggage at all times. Transporting other people's stuff is never a good idea.
  

ALSO READ: STEPS FOR SURINAME VISA FOR NAMIBIA

Travelers who identify as LGBTQ2

• Sexual actions between people of the same sex are not illegal in Suriname. Homosexuality, on the other hand, is not universally accepted in society.

Dual citizenship

• Dual citizenship is not recognized in Suriname.
• Citizens born in Suriname who later acquired another citizenship, have lost their Surinamese identity and would be regarded as foreigners, according to the government.

Money

• Suriname's official currency is the Surinamese dollar.
• The economy is mostly focused on cash transactions. Credit cards are accepted only by large hotels and a few eateries.
• Exchanging money on the street is against the law. To exchange money, only use hotels, local banks, or formal money exchanges (Cambios).

CONCLUSION

Now you know a lot of information about Suriname visas and information about Suriname International Travel. For more information on Suriname, head over to the Suriname website. 

ALSO READ: UK PASSPORT HOLDERS CAN NOW APPLY FOR SURINAME VISA

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