Suriname entry requirements for Ethiopia passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
No 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

Ethiopian passport holders can travel to Suriname without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business, and transit. You must meet the entry requirements below.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa for SurinameYou can enter Suriname without a visa for short stays.
Visa-free entry
Ethiopian passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in Suriname for tourism or business. No visa application is required.Not required
Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – it must not expire within 6 months of your planned departure from Suriname.
At least 6 months
Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Suriname.Required
Blank passport pagesMake sure there is a clean, blank page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or ticket ready to show that you will leave Suriname before your visa-free period ends.
Proof of departure
Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket to a country you are eligible to enter.Required
Proof of sufficient fundsCarry proof of financial means in case immigration asks how you will support yourself during your visit.
Financial means
You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Suriname (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards).Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival declaration form.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for entry into Suriname for Ethiopian passport holders.Not required
eVisa applicationYou do not need to apply for an eVisa – just travel with your passport.
Not applicable
Ethiopian passport holders are not eligible for Suriname's eVisa program. Since visa-free entry applies, no eVisa is needed.Not required
Visa-free entry confirmed
Ethiopian passport holders can enter Suriname without a visa for up to 90 days. No embassy visit or eVisa is needed — just show up with a valid passport and meet the entry conditions.
Passport validity is strict
Suriname requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Check your passport today and renew if needed.
No extension available
The 90-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you risk fines and future entry problems. Plan your trip to leave before your allowed time runs out.

What happens at the border

1
Prepare your documents before departure
Check your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page. Print or download your return ticket and any hotel bookings. If you have a yellow fever certificate, keep it handy.
2
Arrive at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM)
Most international flights land at Paramaribo's main airport. Follow the signs to 'Arrivals' and join the queue for passport control.
3
Present your passport to immigration
Hand your passport to the officer. They will likely ask about your purpose of visit and where you are staying. Answer clearly. They may ask to see your return ticket or proof of funds.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry. Check the stamp to confirm the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Keep your passport safe.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. You are free to enter Suriname.
Download Suriname Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for 1 year, renewable
CostApprox. $100–$200

For long-term stays, work, or study. Requires sponsorship and background checks.

work visa
Work Permit / Residence Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer in Suriname. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term stay and work.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$50 USD (application fee)
For enrollment at a recognized educational institution in Suriname. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Suriname. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Extension of stayApply at the Immigration Office in Paramaribo before your 90 days expire.Approx. $50–$100

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

No transit visa needed

Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Suriname do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter Suriname (e.g., to change airports or overnight), you must meet the visa-free entry conditions.

Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
  • If you have a confirmed onward ticket and stay in the international transit area, no visa is required.
  • If you need to enter the country, you must comply with the visa-free entry rules (90 days).
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 (Ethiopia is considered endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialYellow Fever (if not required)Recommended
Health risks
Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; present in urban and rural areas. Use repellent and mosquito nets.

MalariaLow risk

Low risk in coastal areas; higher in interior regions. Consider prophylaxis if visiting remote areas.

Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk

Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water, eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: low

Low risk in Paramaribo and coastal areas; moderate risk in interior (e.g., Brokopondo). Prophylaxis recommended for rural travel.

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
Johan Adolf Pengelstraat 1, Paramaribo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, visa, and fee.

Practical information for ET 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 = 37.63 SRD
updated Jul 3
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

Ethiopian passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. The exact number of days is stamped on your passport on arrival. This stay is not extendable, so you must leave before the 90 days are up.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you stay longer than 90 days, you will be overstaying, which can lead to fines or a ban from re-entering. Plan your trip to leave before your allowed time runs out.
No, the visa-free entry covers transit as well. You can pass through Suriname without a visa, but you still need to meet the same entry requirements (passport validity, blank page, etc.). If you are transiting to another country, make sure you have your onward ticket.
You will likely be denied boarding or entry. Suriname requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If your passport is close to expiry, renew it before you travel — do not risk being turned away at the airport.
No, you do not need any visa at all — it is visa-free. There is no visa on arrival process because you simply enter with your passport. Just make sure you have the required documents and you are good.
Ethiopia is not currently listed as a yellow fever risk country, so if you fly directly from Ethiopia, you will not need the certificate. However, if you transit through a country with yellow fever risk (like parts of West Africa or South America), you will need to show the certificate on arrival in Suriname. Check your route and carry the certificate if there is any doubt.
The local currency is the Surinamese dollar (SRD). You can exchange money at the airport or use ATMs in Paramaribo. Credit cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants, but it is wise to have some cash for smaller vendors and taxis.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.