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Passport/Visa

PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 6 months after arrival required by all.
VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) Nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Gambia, Grenada, Guyana, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep. of), Malaysia, Philippines, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Singapore, Switzerland and Trinidad & Tobago;
(b) nationals of the Netherlands resident in the Netherlands Antilles;
(b) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft providing holding onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.
Types of visa and cost: Tourist and Business. Single-entry: Dfl75 (6 months). Multiple-entry Tourist: Dfl150 (6 months). Multiple-entry Business: Dfl225 (6 months). Tourists or business visitors who frequently travel to Surinam can also obtain a 6-12 month multiple-entry visa at a cost of G300. Prices are given in Dutch Guilders.
Note: 1. Nationals of Denmark, who do require a visa, can obtain their visa free of charge.
Validity: Single-entry: up to 6 months; Multiple-entry: up to 1 year.
Application to: Nearest Embassy (or Consular section at Embassy); see address section.
Application requirements: (a) 1 completed application form (typed in capital letters). (b) 1 passport-size photo (in colour; for children with no individual passport, a colour photograph should be attached to the application form of the passport holder). (c) Valid passport. (d) Onward or return ticket. (e) For business trips, letter of invitation from company. (f) Self-addressed stamped envelope with return postage for postal applications.
Working days required: 1 (for applications made in Amsterdam); 1-6 weeks in other cases. Same-day processing for urgent visas is also available, but applicants must leave on the day of the application.
Money Currency: Surinam Guilder (SG) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of SG1000, 500, 250, 100, 25, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of SG2.5 and 1, and 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Currency exchange: Surinam Guilders and cents are the only legal tender. Banks and some hotels are authorised to exchange money.
Credit & debit cards: American Express is the most widely accepted credit card; Diners Club has limited acceptance. Check with your credit card company for merchant acceptability and other facilities which may be available.
Travellers cheques: Must be changed at banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Surinam Guilder against Sterling and the US Dollar:

Currency restrictions: The import and export of local currency is limited to SG100. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided amounts in excess of US$10,000 are declared on arrival. On departure, the imported currency can be exported again, providing an exchange permit is produced.
Note: Foreign visitors to Surinam are required to exchange US$177 or SG300 on arrival. Children aged 2-12 are expected to exchange half this amount.
Banking hours: 0730-1400 Monday to Friday.
Duty Free The following items may be imported into Surinam without incurring customs duty:
400 cigarettes or 200 cigarillos or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 2 litres of spirits; 4 litres of wine; 50g of perfume; other goods for personal use up to the value of SG40.
Prohibited items: Fruit (except a reasonable quantity from The Netherlands), coffee, plants, cocoa, rice, fish, pineapples, coconuts, bananas; meat and meat products (unless a valid health certificate is shown).
Public Holidays  Jan 1 2001 New Year’s Day. Mar* Holi Phagwa. Apr 13-16 Easter. May 1 Labour Day. Jul 1 Abolition of Slavery Day. Nov 4* Diwali. Nov 25 Independence Day. Dec 21 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25-26 Christmas. Jan 1 2002 New Year’s Day. Mar* Holi Phagwa. Mar 29-Apr 1 Easter. May 1 Labour Day. Jul 1 Abolition of Slavery Day. Nov 14* Diwali. Nov 25 Independence Day. Dec 11 Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan). Dec 25-26 Christmas.
Note: (a) In addition, Chinese, Jewish and Indian businesses will be closed for their own religious holidays. (b) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the Moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself, which may last anything from two to ten days, depending on the region. For more information, see the World of Islam appendix. (c) *Hindu festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is only possible to forecast the approximate time of their occurrence.
Health

1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers arriving from infected areas.
2: Typhoid may occur, poliomyelitis is not reported.
3: Malaria risk, predominantly in the malignant falciparum form, exists throughout the year in the three southern districts of the country. In Paramaribo city and the seven coastal districts, transmission risk is low or negligible. The falciparum strain is reported to be resistant to chloroquine and some quinine.
4: Mains water is normally chlorinated, and whilst relatively safe may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Drinking water outside main cities and towns is likely to be contaminated and sterilisation is considered essential. The Melk Centrale (Government Dairy Company) sells pasteurised milk but otherwise milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from un-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Pork, salad and mayonnaise may carry increased risk. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.
Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Bilharzias (schistosomiasis) is present. Avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Swimming pools which are well-chlorinated and maintained are safe. Hepatitis A occurs; hepatitis B is highly endemic.
Health care: Health insurance is strongly recommended. There are five well-equipped hospitals in Paramaribo and a few in outlying areas.
Travel - International   AIR: The national airline is Surinam Airways (PY). KLM, ALM Antillean Airlines and Air France also fly to Surinam.
Approximate flight time: From Paramaribo to London is 10 hours, excluding stopover time in Amsterdam or Miami, which may involve an overnight stay, owing to a lack of connecting flights.
International airport: Johan Adolf Pengel (PBM) (Paramaribo) is 45km (28 miles) south of the city. A coach meets all arrivals. There are also buses or taxis to the city (travel time – 45 minutes). Airport facilities include duty-free shop, bank, bar/restaurant and post office.
Departure tax: US$10. Children under 2 are exempt.
SEA: The main international port is Paramaribo. Surinam Shipping Line sails from New Orleans and Mexico monthly. There are coastal services between ports and services to The Netherlands and Germany. The Royal Netherlands Steamship Company provides a service from Amsterdam to Surinam with limited passenger accommodation. There are regular ferry services across the Surinam River and Marowijne River to French Guiana and across the Corantijn River to Guyana.
ROAD: The coastal road from Paramaribo leads to the borders of Guyana and French Guiana.
Travel - Internal  Note: It is advisable to check the weather conditions before setting out for the interior, as heavy rains can cause delays.
AIR: Domestic flights to towns in the interior are operated from Paramaribo (Zorg en Hoop airfield) by Surinam Airways (PY). They also provide services from Paramaribo to the Nieuw Nickerie district, and maintain a charter service.
RAIL: There are currently no services in operation.
ROAD: Traffic drives on the left. There is a reasonable, if patchy, road network. Drivers using their own cars should make sure they carry a full set of spares. Bus: There are services from the capital to most villages, with fixed routes at low prices. Taxi: These are not metered, prices should be agreed before departure and tipping is unnecessary. Car hire: Available at the airport and in Paramaribo through main hotels. Documentation: International Driving Permit required.
Accommodation   HOTELS: Paramaribo has a number of modern hotels with air conditioning, but advance booking is essential owing to the limited number of beds. A 10% service charge is added. There are several small guest-houses and pensions in the city and elsewhere but it is advisable to check with the tourist office for further information. Hotels and restaurants are rare outside the capital, and travellers are advised to bring their own hammock and food. For further information contact Surinam Tourism Foundation or the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism (see address section).
CAMPING: Cola Kreek, Blaka Watra, Zandery 1 and Republiek are inland resorts with picnic grounds and camping/bathing facilities.
Youth Hostels: There is a YWCA in Paramaribo (Heerenstraat).
Sport & Activities  Water sports: Beaches are not of the highest standard and only a few are suitable for swimming (which is prohibited at some classified beaches within nature reserves). An unusual but popular location for swimming is Colakreek, a recreation area 50km (32 miles) south of Paramaribo consisting of numerous creeks with brown water in the small savannah belt behind the coastal plains. There are public pools in Paramaribo, Niew-Nickerie, Moengo and Groningen and most hotels have private pools. There are facilities for sailing at Jachthaven Ornamibo.
Golf: An 18-hole golf course is located 5km (3 miles) from Paramaribo on the airport road.
Ecotourism: Nearly 80% of the country is covered with tropical rainforest, which is protected by an efficient system of national parks and protected areas. Guided trips to Raleighvallen/Voltzberg Nature Park or Natuurpark Brownsburg (Brownsburg Nature Park) can be booked in Paramaribo. Some offer accommodation in lodges. Visits to indigenous village communities can also be organised and frequently involve river tours. One of the most popular is the five-day river tour of Kumalu and the Awarra Dam region. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe numerous mammals (including jaguars, pumas and ocelots), birds (such as flamingoes and eagles), rare flowers (including orchids and ixora) as well as the black and blue morpho butterflies. Sea turtles can be seen in the Galibi Nature Reserve (accessible by boat only). Further information can be obtained from the Foundation for Nature Preservation in Surinam, PO Box 436, Paramaribo (tel: 475 845).
Social Profile   Food & Drink: Owing to the diverse ethnic mixture of the population, Surinam offers a good variety of dishes including Indonesian, Creole, Chinese, Indian, European and American. Indonesian dishes are recommended, usually rijsttafel with rice (boiled or fried) and a number of spicy meat and vegetable side dishes, nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and bami goreng (Indonesian fried noodles). Creole dishes include pom (ground tayer roots and poultry), pastei (chicken pie with various vegetables) and peanut soup. Indian dishes such as roti (dough pancake) served with curried chicken and potatoes and Chinese dishes such as chow-mein and chop suey are excellent. Moksi meti (various meats served on rice) is a local favourite. Local drinks include the Indonesian Dawet (a coconut drink), Gemberbier (Creole ginger drink) and Pilsener Parbo Bier. There are some restaurants in Paramaribo and Niew-Nickerie, but they tend to be scarce outside the capital.
Nightlife: There are several nightclubs in Paramaribo, often attached to a hotel, with live music and dancing. There are also a number of discotheques and several cinemas including a drive-in. In general it is best to stick to the hotels unless accompanied by locals who know the reputations of other nightspots, in particular those out of the town centre. The Local Events Bulletin lists all current activities and is usually available in hotels.
Shopping: Popular items include Maroon tribal woodcarvings, hand-carved and hand-painted trays and gourds, Amerindian bows and arrows, cotton hammocks, wicker and ceramic objects, gold and silver jewellery, Javanese bamboo and batik, as well as tobacco and liquor products. Chinese shops sell imported jade, silks, glass, dolls, needlework and wall decorations. Shopping hours: 0730-1630 Monday to Friday; 0730-1300 Saturday.
Special Events: For further details, contact the Surinam Tourism Foundation (see address section). The following is a selection of events taking place during 2001:
Jan 2001 New Year’s Jam/End of Surifesta (top musicians welcome the New Year). Feb Carnival. Mar Holi Phagwa Hindu Spring Festival. Apr Four-Day Evening March of folkloric groups, Paramaribo. Jul SURIPOP (festival for composers, every two years). Nov 14 Diwali Hindu Light Festival. Mid Nov-Jan Surifesta (end of year festival).
Social Conventions: Informal dress is suitable for most occasions. Guayabera or safari outfits are increasingly worn in place of jackets and ties. Women should wear long trousers on trips to the interior. Beachwear should be confined to the beach or poolside. Photography: It is inadvisable to photograph public places, particularly of a political or military nature (including police stations). There is a general sensitivity about the taking of photographs – it is advisable to seek prior permission. Tipping: Hotels include 10-15% service charge and restaurants may also add 10% to the bill.
Business Profile   Economy: The country has a strong agricultural base, producing rice, citrus fruits, sugar and bananas. Shrimp fishing is both important and lucrative. The other main activities in this sector are livestock breeding and, most controversially, logging in Surinam’s vast jungle interior. The timber is being exploited under a contract awarded to a Malaysian company, although the Government has come under pressure from the international environmental lobby to restrict the quantity. Mining, mainly of bauxite and more recently gold, is the principal industrial operation. There are also thought to be substantial reserves of iron ore, manganese, copper, nickel and platinum as well as moderate onshore oil deposits. Apart from processing ores and food products, the industrial sector is largely devoted to the manufacture of cigarettes, drinks and chemicals. Foreign aid, especially from The Netherlands (the former colonial power) has been essential to the economy. Surinam became a full member of the Caribbean trading bloc CARICOM in 1995. The country’s principal trading partners are the USA, The Netherlands, Trinidad & Tobago and Brazil.
Business: A suit is expected for business. Office hours: 0700-1500 Monday to Friday, 0700-1430 Saturday.
Commercial Information: The following organisation can offer advice: Surinam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, PO Box 149, Dr J C de Mirandastraat 10, Paramaribo (tel: 474 536; fax: 474 779).
Conferences/Conventions: For information, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lim A Postraat 25, Paramaribo (tel: 471 209; fax: 410 411; e-mail: biza@sr.net).
Climate  Tropical and humid, cooled by the northeast trade winds. The best time to visit is February to April (short dry season) and August to October (long dry season). The rainy seasons last from November to January and from May to July. Surinam lies outside the hurricane zone and the most extreme weather condition is the sibibusi (forest broom), a heavy rain shower.
Required clothing: Lightweights and rainwear.
History and Government   History: By the time the Spanish arrived in the late 15th century, the Surinen, the original inhabitants of Suriname, had been driven out by other Amerindian groups. Fierce resistance to colonisation deterred most would-be occupiers from Europe and the territory formally changed hands many times between the French, English and Dutch before finally being confirmed as a Dutch possession by the terms of the 1815 Treaty of Vienna. At this time, the majority of the population were slaves (Slavery was eventually abolished in 1863) working plantations. Despite the abolition of slavery in 1863, conditions changed very little until the early 20th century and the discovery of large bauxite deposits which brought about a major change in the economic and consequently political complexion of the country.
In 1954 Surinam, with the Netherlands Antilles, became an autonomous region within the Kingdom of The Netherlands. Full independence was achieved in 1975. The new country’s political parties were largely organised along ethnic lines (descendants of the black slave workforce, Indonesians, Indians, mixed-race Creoles and a small European contingent). The necessity of forging coalition governments tended to destabilise the political process in the early years of independence. In February 1980, the coalition government which had been in power since independence was overthrown in a widely popular military coup. The new regime followed a left-wing political line, cultivating close links with Cuba at the expense of those with The Netherlands, and banning all political parties.
The economic burden of the civil war which broke out between the regime and jungle-based dissident elements prompted the military regime to announce a return to civilian rule. A transitional constitution was agreed in March 1987 and elections in November gave 40 out of the 51 seats in the National Assembly to the Front for Democracy and Development. A ceasefire agreed with the guerrillas for January 1988 was withdrawn, but a settlement was finally reached with them in 1992. Diplomatic relations with The Netherlands have see-sawed continually since the early 1980s, depending largely on the extent of Dutch aid. Following a dispute with the elected President, Ransewak Shankar, Lieutenant-Colonel Bouterse launched another coup in 1990. The National Assembly rapidly approved a new government, dominated by the National Democratic Party (NDP) which, despite having won just two seats at the 1987 election, had the strong backing of the army.
The elderly Johan Kraag was installed as president although in practice the Government was dominated by the vice-president and premier Jules Wijdenbosch. Wijdenbosch and his counterpart in the New Front (NF, successor to the Front for Democracy and Development), Runaldo Venetiaan, have since become the dominant figures in Suriname politics. Venetiaan held the presidency from 1991 until 1996 when he was replaced by Wijdenbosch and another NDP government. However, this administration was handicapped by a small majority and constant disputes between the coalition partners. Its term of office came to a premature end in 1999 when, after weeks of civil disturbances and strikes, the government lost a vote of no confidence. In May 2000, Venetiaan once again took over as president while a New Front government took office under Prataapnairan Radhakishun.
Government: The 51-seat National Assembly has legislative powers and is elected every four years. The Assembly elects the president, who holds executive power, and the Vice-president who doubles as prime Minister. The National State Council, which includes members of the military, has an ill-defined ‘advisory’ role as well as the power of veto over legislation.
Resorts & Excursions
Paramaribo  The 17th-century capital is graced with attractive Dutch, French, Spanish and British colonial architecture. The nearby restored Fort Zeelandia houses the Surinam Museum. Other attractions include the 19th-century Roman Catholic cathedral (made entirely of wood – as is the 17th-century synagogue which lies in stark contrast to the biggest mosque in the Caribbean), Independence Square, the Presidential Palace (with an attractive palm garden) and the lively waterfront and market districts. Palmentuin is a pleasant park, as is the Cultuurtuin, but the latter is a fair distance from the town and there are no buses.
Elsewhere  The countryside is sparsely populated, and the scenery and the tropical vegetation and wildlife provide the main attractions: mangrove swamps, rivers and rapids of all sizes, Amazonian rainforest and mountains, and jaguars, tapirs, snakes, tropical birds and giant sea turtles from the Mata pica and Galibi beach reserves, as well as highly endangered species such as the cock of the rock, the harpy eagle, the giant otter and the manatee