Suriname entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 2026·View sources
eVisa 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
New Zealand passport holders need a visa to enter Suriname. You must arrange this before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival or visa-waiver options for Kiwis in 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Apply for Suriname eVisaOfficial portal: Suriname eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou need to get this visa approved before you fly – there is no visa-on-arrival for New Zealand citizens. Apply before travel | New Zealand passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Suriname. Apply online at the official Suriname e-visa portal. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date – if it's too close, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Suriname. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean, empty page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketIt's safer to have a ticket out of Suriname ready in case they ask. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel. Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card – it's better to have them and not need them. May be requested | Although not explicitly required by the database, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before you arrive. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into Suriname. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — apply early
There is no visa waiver or visa on arrival for New Zealand passport holders. You must get a visa before you fly. Start the process at least a month ahead.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you enter Suriname. If it's close to expiring, renew it first — otherwise your visa will be denied.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Suriname visa
Submit your visa application at the nearest Suriname embassy or consulate. There's no e-visa for NZ passport holders. You'll need to provide your passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and possibly a bank statement. Processing usually takes 5–15 working days.
2
Pack your documents
Before you leave, print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, flight tickets, accommodation bookings, and insurance. Keep them in a separate bag from your passport.
3
Arrive at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport with visa, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask a few questions — stay calm and answer honestly.
4
Get your passport stamped
Once cleared, the officer will stamp your passport with your entry date. Check the stamp says the correct date before you walk away. Then collect your luggage and proceed to customs.
Download Suriname Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
CostUSD 60 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Surinamese company
Residence permit
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
CostUSD 100 (approx.)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires local sponsorship
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Suriname. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable
~$50 USD (estimated)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Suriname. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For individuals investing a significant amount in Suriname's economy. Minimum investment amount not publicly specified.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist e-VisaSingle entry, valid for 90 days from issue | USD 40 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Paramaribo | USD 30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeIncluded in airline ticket for some carriers; verify at check-in | USD 20 (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
New Zealand citizens transiting through Suriname (e.g., at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport) require a transit visa unless they hold a valid visa for the Schengen Area, USA, UK, or Canada and are transiting within 24 hours without leaving the international transit area.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for the Schengen Area, USA, UK, or Canada
- Transit within 24 hours and staying airside
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialYellow FeverRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent throughout Suriname, especially in urban areas.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in interior regions, especially near the Amazon rainforest.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with periodic outbreaks.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk is highest in interior regions (e.g., Sipaliwini district). Prophylaxis recommended for travel 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 Division
Gravenstraat 1, Paramaribo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Handles visa applications and residency matters.
Practical information for NZ 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
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
Frequently asked questions
No. There is no visa on arrival for NZ passport holders. You must get a visa from a Suriname embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 working days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy. Expect to pay around NZD 50–100, but check with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have been there recently), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from New Zealand.
Extensions are not available for this visa type. You must leave before your visa expires. If you need more time, you'd need to apply for a different visa category before your current one runs out.
Your visa application will likely be rejected. Renew your passport first, then apply for the visa.
No, there isn't. You'll need to apply through the Suriname embassy in Canberra, Australia, or the nearest consulate. Check their website for application instructions by mail or in person.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.