Suriname

Recommended Vaccinations For Suriname

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with Hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to Hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of transmission of and exposure to yellow fever in Suriname. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Suriname

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Recommended anti-malaria medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine. Anti-malaria drug resistance for chloroquine is present, but some malaria strains (P. falciparum) may be resistant to mefloquine.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Suriname

For Most Travellers

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Suriname, and the risk to travellers is significant.

Hepatitis A

There is a high risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Suriname through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Suriname.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

For Some Travellers

West Nile Fever

There is a risk of acquiring West Nile virus in this country.

Measles

There is a risk of acquiring Measles in this country.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Suriname, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Tuberculosis

Travellers are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with a sick person.

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in Suriname. It is contracted through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. In Suriname, schistosomiasis mainly occurs in the coastal zone, particularly in the district of Saramacca. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Malaria

There is a low risk in Suriname. Malaria may be transmitted in in Sipaliwini District, near the border with French Guiana. Limited transmission has been reported in Brokopondo, Marowijne, and Para. Districts along the Atlantic Coast and Paramaribo city are free of malaria. Mefloquine resistance has been reported.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of transmission of and exposure to yellow fever in Suriname. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis occurs in Suriname, particularly in the forested interior of the country. It is usually more common in rural than urban areas, and the risk of acquiring leishmaniasis is increased in travellers who spend time outdoors in rural areas and at night, when sand flies typically feed.

Chagas Disease

American trypanosomiasis occurs in Suriname. This disease is more common in rural areas, however, the risk of travellers acquiring this disease is extremely low unless staying in very poor quality housing or camping.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Safety & Security in Suriname

Personal Safety

Petty crime affects both locals and visitors in Suriname. Pickpocketing and purse snatching happen frequently in Paramaribo’s business districts, shopping areas, and near major hotels. Armed robbery, burglary, and violent crime occur primarily in the capital and surrounding areas, though tourists are rarely targeted. Foreigners attract more attention from criminals, so you should keep your belongings secure. Most visits to Suriname happen without incident. However, crime levels have increased recently, particularly violent robberies which rose by 143% between 2023 and 2024. Police presence outside Paramaribo is minimal. The interior rainforest areas are safer from crime but present different risks due to remoteness and lack of emergency services. Drug trafficking routes pass through the interior where law enforcement is scarce.

Extreme Violence

The homicide rate in Suriname reached 7.3 per 100,000 people in 2022, relatively low compared to neighboring countries. However, 2024 saw a dramatic spike with the rate jumping to 29.9 by September, a 382% increase from 2023, representing one of the highest increases in Latin America. This surge appears linked to escalating violent petty offenses, particularly robberies, rather than organized crime activity. Violent robberies increased by 143% and gun-related crimes by 123%. Criminals often carry firearms and will use them, especially if victims resist. Armed robbery and burglary happen with some frequency in Paramaribo and outlying areas. There have been sporadic instances of drug trade-related violence including assassinations, drive-by shootings, and grenades thrown over residential walls, though these incidents rarely involve tourists. Carjackings occur mainly in residential areas of Paramaribo. Gangs operate along the border with Guyana in a lawless environment. Robberies also concern travelers on the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina, along the Afobakka Highway in Para district, and in the towns of Albina, Moengo, and Brokopondo district.

Political Unrest

In February 2023, thousands of demonstrators stormed parliament in Paramaribo, protesting economic crisis conditions including inflation above 54%, removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, and high living costs. What began as peaceful protests turned violent when demonstrators threw stones and bottles at police, breached the National Assembly, looted shops, and damaged property. Police responded with tear gas and arrested over 100 people. The government imposed a curfew and deployed military and police. Social media platforms were temporarily restricted during the protests. The unrest followed government austerity measures recommended by the International Monetary Fund. Political demonstrations are common and expected to continue during economic difficulties. They can become violent, leading to roadblocks and travel disruption. Earlier protests in 1999 also saw mass strikes and demonstrations calling for government resignation. Demonstrations often look similar to cultural celebrations, so ask locals before approaching large gatherings.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid Palm Garden (Palmentuin) in the Dutch area of Paramaribo, especially after dark. This location has no police presence and is known for illicit activities and criminal behavior. Business districts and shopping areas in Paramaribo experience frequent pickpocketing and robbery. Areas near popular hotels see regular criminal incidents. Outside the capital, avoid Albina, Moengo, and Brokopondo district due to robbery concerns. The East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina presents robbery risks. The Afobakka Highway in Para district is another concern area. The border with Guyana should be avoided as gangs operate in this lawless environment. Neighborhoods of Latour and Flora in Paramaribo have higher crime rates. Police presence outside Paramaribo is scarce to non-existent. When traveling to the interior rainforest away from coastal areas, use well-established tour companies as tourists have been robbed in central Suriname. Independent travel to interior areas requires advance planning due to remoteness and lack of law enforcement.