Suriname entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

If you hold an Ivory Coast passport, you need a visa to enter Suriname. Apply at the Surinamese embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa application
Apply for a visa sticker at a Suriname embassy
Suriname requires a visa sticker for Ivory Coast passport holders. Apply at the nearest Suriname embassy or consulate — there is no eVisa option. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, and you must submit your passport in person.Visa infoRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire stay
Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Suriname. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately from your passport.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Suriname
Immigration at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport checks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Suriname ready. Immigration officers may ask to see it during entry questioning.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can cover your stay
Carry bank statements or cash to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Around $50 USD per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
Visa required — apply well in advance
There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Ivory Coast passport holders. You must apply at the Surinamese embassy before you travel. Processing can take 2–4 weeks, so start the process at least 6 weeks before your trip.
Yellow fever vaccination required
Suriname requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers from Côte d'Ivoire. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before departure and carry the certificate with your passport.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for a visa at the Surinamese embassy
Contact the Surinamese embassy in Abidjan (or the nearest accredited embassy if there is none in Côte d'Ivoire). Submit the completed application form, your passport, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Pay the visa fee (varies by embassy, typically around $30–$60 USD). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for additional documents. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
3
Prepare for arrival at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM)
When you land in Paramaribo, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa sticker, your return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The officer will stamp your passport and note the allowed stay (usually 30–90 days depending on your visa). Keep the entry slip safe — you need it when you leave.
Download Suriname Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$40 USD

Standard option for tourism; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$80 USD

For frequent travellers; each stay up to 30 days.

Business visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost~$60 USD

Requires invitation letter from Suriname company.

work visa
Work Permit / Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (processing fees)
For those with a job offer in Suriname. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$50 USD
For enrollment in accredited Surinamese educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Permit
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD
For individuals investing a significant amount in Suriname (e.g., business, real estate). Minimum investment varies.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa for Ivory Coast passport holders.~$40 USD (approx. 40 USD)
Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period.~$80 USD (approx. 80 USD)
Stay extension feeMay be possible for short extensions, subject to immigration approval.~$25 USD (approx. 25 USD) per extension
Overstay finePenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period.~$10 USD per day, max ~$200 USD

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Suriname

Transit visa required

Ivory Coast passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Suriname, even if staying airside.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, Canada, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsJohan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM)

Health & vaccines for Suriname

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (Ivory Coast is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas.

MalariaModerate risk

Risk in interior regions; prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.

ChikungunyaLow risk

Occasional outbreaks; mosquito-borne.

Malaria risk: moderate

Risk in interior regions (e.g., Sipaliwini district); prophylaxis recommended for travellers to those areas.

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Paramaribo
Immigration Department Suriname
Waterkant 10, Paramaribo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Paramaribo
Ministry of Justice and Police – Immigration
Henck Arronstraat 1, Paramaribo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Handles visa applications and long-stay permits.

Practical information for CI travellers

Country basics
CapitalParamaribo
LanguageDutch
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days.
Money
CurrencySurinamese dollar (SRD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 37.16 SRD
updated May 30
Time zone
Local timeUTC-3
vs New York+1h
vs Los Angeles+4h
Electricity
Voltage127V / 220V, 60Hz
Plug types
C,FTypes C and F, European-style two-pin plugs
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police115
Medical113
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. There is no visa-on-arrival for CI passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a Surinamese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, but can be longer during peak periods. Apply at least 6 weeks before your planned departure.
Visa fees vary by embassy, but are usually between $30 and $60 USD. Check with the Surinamese embassy in Abidjan for the exact amount and accepted payment methods.
You typically need: a completed application form, your passport (valid 6+ months), two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking or invitation letter, proof of sufficient funds (bank statement), and a yellow fever vaccination certificate. The embassy may request additional documents.
Yes. Suriname requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Côte d'Ivoire. You must show the certificate at immigration. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Extensions are not available for standard tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, contact the immigration office in Paramaribo before your visa expires to discuss options — but approval is not guaranteed.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, and a ban from re-entering Suriname. The fine is typically around $10–$20 USD per day overstayed, but can be higher. Always leave before your visa expires.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.