Suriname
Last update 29 August 2024Diplomatic missions
Risk index
Level 2: Increased cauion (Be informed on the current situation in the country beforehand)
2
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The Republic of Suriname
The Republic of Bulgaria does not have a functioning embassy in Suriname. Suriname is serviced by the Embassy in Argentina.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Brasilia, Brazil
Address: SEN Av. das Nações, Qd. 801, Lt.08, CEP 70432-900, Brasília DF
Telephone: +55 61 3223 6193; +55 61 3223 9849
Fax: +55 61 3323 3285
Working hours: 09:00 – 17:30
Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Е-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.mfa.bg/embassies/brazil
Embassy of Suriname in Brussels, Belgium
Address: Avenue Louise 379 1050 Brussels
Telephone: +32 2 640 1172; 32 2 640 1244
Fax: +32 2 646 3962
E-mail: [email protected]
Embassy of Suriname in the Netherlands
Address: Alexander Gogelweg 2, 2517 JH, Den Haag, Netherlands
Telephone: +31 70 3650844
Fax: +31 70 3617445
General information
Security level:
There is an increased level of criminal activity inland, particularly in the places in the rainforest regions, therefore MFA recommends avoiding visits to the towns of Albina and Moengo. The Ministry does not as well recommend unorganised travel on the roads between the above places and the capital Paramaribo. Vigilance and caution should also be exercised in Paramaribo. We recommend that Bulgarian citizens travelling to Suriname and permanently residing in this country register on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or provide contact details to the Bulgarian Embassy in Brazil.
We recommend caution when staying in the capital Paramaribo (especially in the so-called Dutch Quarter, the Palmentuin Palm Garden and the areas around the Johan Adolf Pengel Airport). We also do not recommend visiting the town of Albina and the town of Moengo. Given the relative isolation and remoteness from the centre of Paramaribo, we recommend that you do not anticipate a long layover at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport on arrival or departure. The are frequent attacks and robberies on the main roads of the country (such as the so-called East-West Link). We also do not recommend unorganised visits inland.
Healthcare:
There is a high percentage of HIV infected.
The medical assistance that can be provided in Suriname is limited, especially in the inland. Hospitals in the capital Paramaribo have facilities for emergency check-ups and for hospital stays, but the amounts due for this are significant.
International medical insurance is recommended for planned tourist visits, especially when visiting tropical rainforests, as this facilitates transport to hospitals in the border areas of the FR Brazil (Roraima state) in case of severe injuries.
Foreign citizens who do not hold a valid short-stay visa or long-term residence permit and medical insurance will pay all medical fees for hospital stays. Having insurance and a short- or long-term visa reduces the cost of medical care.
Recommended vaccines and personal hygiene advice:
In view of the widespread Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, it is recommended that Bulgarian citizens travelling to or residing in Suriname strictly follow the hygiene and sanitary advice of the official authorities. Upon entering Suriname from countries with a high risk of yellow fever (such countries in South America are Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, CR Guyana, Peru), including transit travel through these countries with a transit stay of more than 12 hours, it is mandatory to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate taken at least 10 days prior to the travel. Only children up to 1 year of age are exempt from this type of vaccine.
It is recommended that travellers have vaccinations against yellow fever, dengue, malaria, tetanus-diphtheria and hepatitis A.
There is an increased risk of malaria in the inland (the tropical rainforest), especially in the areas bordering CR Guyana. Malaria cases have not been recorded in the capital Paramaribo since 1968.
According to the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, about 2.4 percent of Suriname’s population is likely to be HIV/AIDS carriers, one of the highest rates among countries in South America.
Specifics of the legislation:
Foreign nationals are required to carry identity documents at all times. It is recommended that a copy is carried while the originals are left in safe storage at the places of stay. Failure to produce proof of identity when checked by the authorities will result in a fine and possible detention for questioning.
Possession of drugs, regardless of quantity, is criminalised.
When entering or leaving the country, customs authorities strictly control the import or export of firearms, seeds, plants and rare birds, requiring licences/permits issued by the competent authorities.
Traffic on roads:
The traffic on roads in Suriname is on the left side.
Practical advice:
Emergency hotline
National Police — 115
Medical Emergency — 113
Medical Emergency over the weekend — 148
Fire Emergency — 110
Local currency:
Surinamese dollar (SRD)
5 SRD = 1 EUR. In Suriname, it is illegal to exchange currency at places other than banks or exchange offices located near them.
Climatic characteristics:
The territory of Suriname can be divided into two main geographical regions: sandy lowlands to the north and dense rainforests and savannas to the west and south. Several small mountain ranges cross the fertile land.
Almost 14% of the territory of Suriname is part of national parks and nature reserves. The land of Suriname is crossed by many rivers. The more significant are: Gran, Corantijn, Marowijne, Coppename and Saramacca.
The best time to visit Suriname is from December to April.
There is a constant risk of hurricanes along the Atlantic coast, especially from early June to mid-November. During this period, plane flights are often cancelled and road traffic is blocked along the Atlantic coast, including the capital Paramaribo. Due to weather conditions, it is not uncommon for mobile phones and GPS systems to not have a good signal, especially in inland areas.
Other:
Interesting facts
Spanish explorer Alonso Ojeda was the first European to discover the lands of present Suriname in 1498.
In the 17th century, the Dutch were the first to settle and built their settlements at the mouth of Suriname River.
In 1630 the lands were invaded by the British and in 1667 England ceded Suriname to the Netherlands in exchange for New Amsterdam (island of Manhattan and the land around present New York).
Suriname declared independence in 1975. Dutch is the official language.
Travel papers and visas
Important! From 1 May 2024, the amount of the fee to be paid when entering the country for the purpose of tourism or family visit will be 50$ or 50€. The fee can be paid to
link: https://suriname.vfsevisa.com/suriname/online/home/index
As of 01 July 2022 Bulgarian citizens do not need a visa when visiting Suriname. Every foreign citizen staying in Suriname for more than 30 days must register with the Immigration Office of the Ministry of Justice and Police within one week after the expiration of the 30-day period and apply for an extended stay (up to 90 days) stamp.
When planning a stay for more than 90 days, an application should be made for an Authorization for Temporary Stay (known as an MKV). Visitors who travelled to Suriname on a tourist or business visa will not be able to apply for MKV during their stay in Suriname.
Consular service
European Emergency Travel Document:
In case of emergency (lost passport), Bulgarian citizens can seek on-the-spot assistance from a diplomatic mission of an EU Member State to obtain an Emergency Travel Document.
Issuance of identity documents:
Since the beginning of 2012 the Embassies of the Republic of Bulgaria in Argentina and Brazil have been equipped with the biometric data capture system allowing the acceptance of applications for new passports.
Any Bulgarian citizen residing in Suriname may apply for a passport, an identity card, a driving licence and an Emergency Travel Document at both embassies mentioned above.
A birth certificate must be presented when the first identity card is issued. A police document verifying the relevant circumstances must be presented if the identity card and/or passport is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed.
The issuance of an Emergency Travel Document for children born abroad requires the presentation of a certified local birth certificate and the presence of both parents. For the issuance of an Emergency Travel Document to return to Bulgaria in case of lost/stolen documents, a report from the police stating the relevant circumstances must be presented (theft, burglary, robbery, etc.).
Certifications and legalizations:
Bulgaria and Suriname are parties to the 1961 Hague Convention on the Abolition of the Requirement of Legalisation of Foreign Public Documents. Therefore, the documents/deeds drawn up in each of the two countries should bear an ‘Apostille’ by the respective Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as translated and duly authenticated in order to serve before the authorities of the other country.