Suriname

The Republic of Suriname is a developing country located on the northern coast of South America. Tourist facilities are available in the capital city of Paramaribo, but are less developed and in some cases non-existent in the country's rugged jungle interior. Dutch is the national language, but most Surinamese in Paramaribo speak English; accordingly most tourist arrangements can be made in English. Tourist arrangements for the interior should be made ahead of time. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Suriname for additional information.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in Suriname, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Traffic moves on the left in Suriname; left-hand-drive (U.S. style) vehicles also are allowed on the road. Excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits by both vehicles and motorcyclists/bicycles, unusual right of way patterns, poorly maintained roads, and a lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are daily hazards on Surinamese roads. Seatbelts have been required for all automobile passengers since January 2007, and drivers must use a hands-free device if using a mobile phone while driving; driving while talking on cell phones is illegal in Suriname. Visitors are encouraged to use automobiles equipped with seatbelts and to avoid the use of motorcycles or scooters. An international driver's license is necessary to rent a car. Visitors renting a car in Suriname should be aware that child seats are required by law.

The major roads in Paramaribo are usually paved, but are not always well maintained. Large potholes are common on city streets, especially during the rainy season, which lasts from approximately mid-November to January, and from April to July (rainy seasons can differ from year to year by as much as six weeks). Roads often are not marked with traffic lines. Many main thoroughfares do not have sidewalks, forcing pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycle traffic to share the same space.

The East-West Highway, a paved road that stretches from Nieuw Nickerie in the west to Albina in the east, runs through extensive agricultural areas; it is not uncommon to encounter slow-moving farm traffic or animals on the road. Travelers should exercise caution when driving to and from Nieuw Nickerie at night due to poor lighting and sharp road turns without adequate warning signs. There are few service stations along the road, and western-style rest stops are non-existent. The road is not always well maintained, and during the rainy season, large and sometimes impassable sinkholes develop along the road. Police recommend that you 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 roads that pass through rugged, sparsely populated rain forest. Some roads are passable for sedans in the dry season, but deteriorate rapidly during the rainy season. Interior roads are not lit and there are no service stations or emergency call boxes. Bridges in the interior are in various states of repair. You are advised to consult with local sources, including The Foundation for Nature Conservation in Suriname, or STINASU, at telephone (597) 421-683 or 476-579, or with their hotels regarding interior road conditions before proceeding.

For specific information concerning Surinamese driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, please contact the Embassy of Suriname in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate of Suriname in Miami.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Suriname’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Suriname, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Suriname’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for oversight of Suriname’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page.

The U.S. Embassy prohibits its employees from using Blue Wing Airlines for official travel on domestic flights within Suriname due to safety concerns. The Embassy’s published this warden message on Blue Wing Airlines.

Safety and Security

Demonstrations are not common in Suriname. If they occur, they will take place primarily in the capital or secondary cities, and are usually peaceful, but U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Suriname should take common-sense precautions and avoid large gatherings or other events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate or protest. Travelers proceeding to the interior may encounter difficulties due to limited infrastructure and limited presence of government authority. Limited transportation and communications may hamper the ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist in an emergency situation.

Stay up to date on safety and security information:

• Bookmark our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.
• Download our free Smart Traveler app, available through the iTunes store and the Google Play store, for travel information at your fingertips.
• Call1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Taking some time before travel to consider your personal security – here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Criminal activity throughout the country has shown a slight increase since September 2010 and travelers, including U.S. citizens, may be viewed as targets of opportunity. Burglary, armed robbery, and violent crime occur with some frequency in Paramaribo and in outlying areas. Pick-pocketing and robbery are common in the major business and shopping districts of the capital. Visitors should avoid wearing expensive or flashy jewelry and should not display large amounts of money in public.

There have been several reports of criminal incidents in the vicinity of the major tourist hotels. Night walks, outside the immediate vicinity of the hotels, are not recommended, especially if you are alone. Visitors should specifically avoid the Palm Garden area (“Palmentuin” in Dutch) after dark, as there is no police presence and it is commonly the site of criminal activity.

Theft from vehicles is infrequent, but does occur, especially in areas near the business district. Drivers are cautioned not to leave packages and other belongings in plain view in their vehicles. There have been a few reports of carjackings within Paramaribo, mainly in residential areas. When driving, car windows should be closed and doors locked. The use of public minibuses is discouraged, due to widespread unsafe driving and poor maintenance. Taxis in Suriname are not clearly identified; they do not display the “Taxi” sign. As there are no meters in the taxis, you should verify the price before entering the taxi. The Embassy recommends that you use hotel concierge taxis.

Travel to the interior is usually trouble-free, but there have been reports of tourists being robbed. Police presence outside Paramaribo is minimal, and banditry and lawlessness are occasionally of concern in the cities of Albina and Moengo, and the district of Brokopondo, as well as along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina, and the Afobakka Highway in the district of Para. There have been reports of attempted and actual carjackings committed by gangs along the East-West Highway. If you plan on traveling to the interior, you are advised to make use of well-established tour companies for a safer experience.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport;
• For violent crime such as assault or rape, help you find appropriate medical care;
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and contact family members or friends;
• Although the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice and can direct you to local attorneys.

Victims of crime in the Republic of Suriname can also contact the “Bureau Slachtofferzorg” (Victim’s Assistance Office), Ministry of Justice and Police, Keizerstraat 155, Phone/Fax # (597)-424016, hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Suriname is 115, but it is unlikely your call will be answered in English.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.