COVID-19 Information | U.S. Embassy in Suriname

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Last updated: 12/17/2020

Country-Specific Information:

Suriname has confirmed cases of COVID 19 within its borders. Please visit www.covid-19.sr for an updated case count.
It is mandatory to wear face masks in public.
Gatherings are limited to ten people
Grocery stores remain open.

Entry and Exit Requirements:

Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes.
- Suriname’s borders are partially open for commercial travel. Travelers must present: 1) a negative RT PCR test no older than 72 hours. Quick test results or antibody test results are not accepted. 2) A confirmed accommodation booking of at least 10 days at a registered SHATA hotel. For a list of registered SHATA hotels, please see http://www.bogsuriname.com/quarantine/. SHATA hotels will provide transportation to the accommodation, with costs borne by the traveler. 3) Non-residents must submit evidence of travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage. Without these three requirements, the airline will not allow a passenger to board a flight to Suriname. For complete up-to-date information, please contact your airline or the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Suriname.
Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
- Travelers must show a negative RT PRC test not older than 72 hours. Quick test results or antibody test results are not accepted.
Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
Foreigners present in Suriname who need to request an extension of their stay in Suriname may contact the Vreemdelingenpolitie (Foreign Police) at vreemdelingsurcovid19@gmail.com.

Movement Restrictions:

Is a curfew in place? Yes.
- A curfew is in place from 9pm to 5am Monday through Friday and from 7pm to 5am on Saturday and Sunday.
Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No.

Quarantine Information:

Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? Yes
- Travelers are required to quarantine upon arrival in Suriname. Travelers should bring evidence of a confirmed accommodation booking of at least 10 days at a registered SHATA hotel to fulfill quarantine requirements. See http://www.bogsuriname.com/quarantine/ for a listing of registered SHATA hotels. Permission for home quarantine is given exclusively by the Minister of Public Health or the Director of the Public Health Service. Applications for home quarantine must be accompanied by a written request stating the reasons for choosing home quarantine, and must be accompanied by information of a guarantor who will be jointly liable if the traveler does not comply with home quarantine rules. Applications for home quarantine must be made at least 10 working days prior to departure by writing to quarantainehotel@gmail.com. Permission for home quarantine will not be granted upon arrival in Suriname if it has not been approved in advance

COVID-19 Testing:

Report symptoms right away if you believe you may have COVID-19 or were exposed to someone who may have COVID-19 by dialing 178 to reach the designated Ministry of Public Health COVID-19 hotline, or by sending a text to 8836643. The Ministry of Public Health will provide instructions for COVID-19 testing to those who meet the requirements.

Transportation Options:

Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- KLM is operating commercial flights from Paramaribo to Amsterdam. U.S. citizens departing Suriname are permitted to transit Schiphol airport, remain airside, and continue onward to the United States. However, passengers will not be permitted to exit the transit area. Passengers should have a confirmed onward flight to the U.S. prior to commencing travel. For further information about these flights or to book tickets, please visit klm.com.
- Surinam Airways is operating limited flights from Paramaribo to Miami. For information about requirements for these flights, please contact the airline directly or visit www.flyslm.com or www.facebook.com/surinamairways.
Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Taxis and buses are available.

Fines for Non-Compliance:

Violators of Suriname’s COVID-19 prevention measures may be fined up to 10,000 SRD. Repeat violators may be sentenced to up to 6 months imprisonment.

Consular Operations:

The U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo is providing services to American citizens, including passport and registration of birth abroad services as well as notaries. To request an appointment, please write to caparamar@state.gov.
As of October 13, 2020, the United States Embassy in Suriname is resuming certain nonimmigrant visa services, including: F and M student visas, and J exchange visas. While the Embassy aims to process cases as soon as practicable, there is likely to be increased wait times for completing such services due to substantial backlogs. You may request an appointment for one of these visa services by writing to caparamar@state.gov. The U.S. Embassy in Suriname remains unable to resume routine nonimmigrant visas services for other visa categories at this time, including B1/B2 visitor visas. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please write to caparamar@state.gov to request an emergency appointment.

Local Resources:

Suriname National Crisis Portal (in Dutch)

Other links:

For medical assistance while in Suriname, you may consult our list of medical resources in Suriname.

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