Suriname customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Suriname allows duty-free imports of 1 liter of spirits (or 2 liters of wine/beer), 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco), and personal goods up to USD 800 for non-resident adults aged 18 and older. Cash or monetary instruments totaling USD 10,000 or more must be declared. Prohibited items include narcotics, firearms, counterfeit goods, and certain meats; restricted items require permits or certificates.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer. Must be 18+.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency, including traveler's checks and monetary instruments) must be declared on the customs arrival form.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (or SRD equivalent) are duty-free. Items above this value are subject to duty and taxes.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, cocaine, heroin)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without prior authorization from the Ministry of Defense)
Counterfeit currency and goods
Pornographic materials
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items, e.g., ivory, turtle shells)
Certain meats and animal products (e.g., pork from countries with African swine fever)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use (must have a prescription or doctor's note; limit to 3 months' supply)
Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificate from the Ministry of Agriculture)
Pets (dogs, cats) require a valid rabies vaccination certificate and import permit from the Veterinary Service
Drones (require prior approval from the Suriname Civil Aviation Authority)
Satellite phones (require a license from the Telecommunications Authority of Suriname)

Rules worth knowing

Currency declaration

If you carry cash, traveler's checks, or monetary instruments totaling USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in SRD or other currencies), you must declare it on the customs form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.

Temporary import of vehicles

Vehicles (cars, motorcycles) can be temporarily imported for up to 3 months without duty, but you must obtain a Carnet de Passages en Douane or a temporary import permit from the customs office. Extensions are possible with approval.

Prohibited food imports

Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products from certain regions (e.g., pork from areas with African swine fever) are banned. All food items must be declared and may be inspected by agricultural officers.

Duty-free shop purchases

Items bought at duty-free shops outside Suriname are included in your personal allowance. If the total value exceeds USD 800, you must pay duty on the excess.

Frequently asked questions

You can bring 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. You must be 18 or older.

200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco. You cannot combine these; pick one option.

Yes, if you carry USD 10,000 or more (or equivalent in any currency), you must declare it on the customs arrival form. This includes traveler's checks and monetary instruments.

Yes, but you need a valid rabies vaccination certificate (at least 30 days old but less than 1 year) and an import permit from the Suriname Veterinary Service. Contact the Ministry of Agriculture in advance.

Drones require prior approval from the Suriname Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA). You must apply for a permit before traveling. Unauthorized drones may be confiscated.

You must declare all goods exceeding USD 800. Customs will assess duty and taxes on the excess value. Rates vary by item type (typically 10-30% duty plus 8% VAT).

Official source

Suriname Customs (Douane Suriname)