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Suriname - Consular Information Sheet
September 14, 1999
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Republic of Suriname is a developing nation
located on the northern coast of South America. Tourist facilities are widely
available in the capital city of Paramaribo, but are less developed and in some
cases, non-existent in the rugged jungle interior.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens entering Suriname are required to have
a passport, visa, and a return airline ticket. There is a $45 processing fee for
business and tourist visas. A business visa requires a letter from the
sponsoring company. There is an airport departure charge of $10 and a terminal
fee of $5 per person. After eight days in Suriname, all foreigners are required
to report to the Office of Foreigner Affairs (Vreemdelingendienst) for an
extension-of-stay stamp. For further information, travelers can contact the
Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 460,
Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 244-7488, or the Consulate in Miami at
7235 NW 19TH St. Miami, Fla. 33126, telephone (305) 593-2163.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Since 1998, demonstrations and disruptive political
labor strikes in Paramaribo have become unpredictable and occasionally violent.
There is insufficient police authority outside of Paramaribo and the other
larger urban areas in the country. Banditry and lawlessness are on the rise in
the cities of Albina and Moengo and along the East-West Highway between
Paramaribo and Albina. In addition to these places, travelers proceeding to the
interior should be aware that they may encounter difficulties due to a lack of
government authority. Limited transportation and communications may hamper the
ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist in an emergency situation.
CRIME INFORMATION: As in many capital cities, burglary, armed robbery and
violent crime exist in Paramaribo and in outlying areas. Crimes against people
and property do occur regularly. Foreigners in general are viewed as targets of
opportunity, but there has been no specific targeting of U.S. citizens. While
travel to the interior is generally trouble-free, there have been reports of
tourists being robbed. Travelers proceeding to the interior are advised to make
use of well-established tour companies for safer experiences. While there have
been few reports of criminal incidents in the vicinities of the major hotels
used by tourists, night walks outside the immediate vicinity of the hotels are
not recommended. The U.S. Embassy advises all visitors to avoid the Palm Garden
or "Palmentuin" in the Dutch area after dark. It has no police presence and is
commonly used for illicit activity.
Pick-pocketing and robbery are on the rise in the major business and shopping
districts in Paramaribo. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying large
amounts of money in public. Make every attempt to change currency at hotels,
local banks, or official money exchanges or "cambios". Do not exchanging
currency on the street, as this is both dangerous and illegal.
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 the vehicle in plain view. When driving, keep windows and doors
locked. For safety reasons, use of public mini-buses is strongly discouraged.
There is an emergency number, "115", for police, fire and rescue. Fire and
rescue services provide a relatively timely response, but police response,
especially during night-time hours, is a rarity for all but the most serious of
crimes.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to
the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. U.S. citizens can
refer to the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad
for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. This publication and others,
such as Tips for
Travelers to Central and South America, are available by mail from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.
20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs,
or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject
to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to
the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe
than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Suriname laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for
possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Suriname are strict, and
convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care, including emergency medical care, is
limited and does not meet U.S. standards. Most hospitals are open-air
facilities. However, private rooms with air conditioning are available at extra
cost. There is one public emergency room in Paramaribo, which in mid-1999 was
without a neurosurgeon, and other medical specialists may not always be
available. A small ambulance fleet provides emergency transport. Emergency
medical care outside of Paramaribo is limited and is virtually non-existent in
the interior. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical
evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors
and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Some
hospitals require an advance deposit for non-emergency services.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the
United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for
medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require
medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own
insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including
provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the
overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses
you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric
treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful
information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance
programs, is provided in the Department of State�s Bureau of Consular Affairs
brochure Medical Information
for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: The U.S. Embassy encourages travelers to wear
sunglasses, sunscreen and hats to reduce exposure to the sun. Sealed bottled
water is safe to drink and can be purchased in local hotels, restaurants, and
grocery stores. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be
obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention�s hotline for
international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX
(1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S.
citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in
the United States. The information below concerning Suriname is provided for
general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location
or circumstance. Safety of Public Transportation: fair
Urban Road
Conditions/Maintenance: poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: poor
In Suriname, traffic moves on the left, although left-hand drive cars are
allowed on the road. Excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits, poorly
maintained roads and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are
daily hazards on Suriname�s roads. Visitors are encouraged to use automobiles
equipped with seat belts and to avoid the use of motorcycles or scooters.
Roads in Paramaribo are mostly paved, although upkeep is often a problem.
Large potholes are common on city streets, especially during the rainy season.
Roads are often not marked with traffic lines. In addition, many main
thoroughfares do not have sidewalks, forcing pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle
traffic to share the roads.
The East-West Highway is a paved road, connected by ferry service at major
river crossings, which stretches from Nieuw Nickerie in the west to Alvina in
the east. Banditry is increasing between Moengo and Albina, and police recommend
that travelers check with the police station in Moengo or Albina for the latest
safety information. The East-West Highway runs through agricultural areas, and
it is not uncommon to see slow-moving farm traffic or animals on the road.
Roads to the interior are sporadically maintained dirt roads that pass
through rugged, sparsely populated rain forest. Most roads are passable for
sedans only in the dry season. These roads deteriorate rapidly in the rainy
season. Interior roads are not lit, nor are there service stations or emergency
call boxes. Many bridges in the interior are in various states of repair.
Travelers are advised to consult with local sources regarding interior road
conditions before proceeding.
For specific information concerning Suriname driver's permits, vehicle
inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Embassy of Suriname in
Washington, D.C.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has assessed the Government of Suriname�s Civil Aviation Authority as Category 3
-- not in compliance with international avvviation safety standards for oversight
of Suriname�s air carrier operations. Flights to the U.S. by Suriname�s air
carriers are not permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by
a carrier from a country meeting international safety standards. For further
information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the
U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air
carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information
regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at
618-256-4801.
OTHER INFORMATION: Major credit cards are not widely accepted outside of
the major hotels, nor are ATM cash machines widely available. Travelers should
contact their intended hotel to confirm that credit cards are accepted.
Transportation, communications and other infrastructure elements, while better
in Paramaribo than other regions of the country, do not meet U.S. standards. The
Government of Suriname, which established one of the world�s largest nature
preserves in 1998, and private tourism companies encourage ecotourism and have
expanded tourism to the interior by establishing guest houses and tour
packages.
CHILDREN�S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children,
international parental child abduction, and international child support
enforcement issues, see Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html,
or telephone (202) 736-7000.
REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: U.S. citizens living in or
visiting Suriname are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S.
Embassy in Paramaribo and obtain updated information on travel and security in
Suriname. The U.S. Embassy is located at Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 in
Paramaribo, telephone 011 (597) 477-881, consular fax number 011 (597) 425-788.
Hours of operation for American Citizen Services and inquiries are Monday and
Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or by appointment. For emergency assistance
outside these hours telephone the Embassy duty pager at 011 (597) 088-0338.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 16, 1999.
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