Embassy of the United States Paramaribo, Suriname

When an American citizen passes away overseas:

Providing assistance to the family of a deceased American Citizen is one of the primary functions of the US Embassy in Paramaribo.

In the event of the death of an American Citizen in Suriname/French Guiana, please contact this office immediately (regular phone hours do not apply under these circumstances or by email caparamar@state.gov ).

Even if no assistance is needed in making funeral arrangements, the death of an American citizen, whether resident or tourist, should be reported to the ACS Unit so that a “Consular Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad” can be issued. This document is necessary to settle legal and estate matters in the United States.

General Procedure

When we learn of the death of an American in the Suriname, we will determine as quickly as possible who the next-of-kin of the deceased is and contact that person by telephone immediately. There are several important things that the next-of-kin must do in conjunction with the SCS unit.

The following will be required for the completion of a Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad:

1. Name (required);
2. Date and place of birth (required);
3. Evidence of U.S citizenship (required). If a passport or naturalization certificate is available this will fulfill the requirements for 1., 2. and 3.;
4. Local death certificate “Overlijdensakte”, “D’Acte de Deces” (Dutch/French translated into English); obtainable from the City Hall/CBB (Burgelijke Stand) (required);
5. Specific location where death occurred, street address, and name of institution if applicable (required);
6. Date of burial or cremation, place and name of cemetary or crematorium (required);
7. U.S. Social Security Number;
8. Address in the United States and Suriname/French Guiana;
9. Name, address and phone number of the deceased's next of kin;
10. Name, address and phone number of the administrator of the estate;

The following form can be used to provide the foregoing information:

• Notification of the death of a U.S. citizen abroad (PDF 37 KB)

The Report of Death of an American Citizen Abroad can be used to settle estate and other matters in the United States, and is a mandatory requirement of the Department of State.

For additional information please see

• Death of U.S. Citizens Abroad
• Return of Remains of Deceased Americans
• Disposition of remains Suriname (PDF 66.6 KB)
• Disposition of remains French Guiana (PDF 46.8 KB) 
• List of funeral homes French Guiana (PDF 194 KB)
• List of funeral homes Paris (PDF 198 KB)