Suriname entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Swiss passport holders need an eVisa to enter Suriname. Apply online before you travel and present the approved eVisa at immigration in Paramaribo. The eVisa is not issued on arrival, so plan ahead.
Apply for Suriname eVisaOfficial portal: Suriname eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Suriname e-VisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | Swiss citizens must obtain an e-Visa before arrival. Apply at the official Suriname e-Visa portal (https://surinameevisa.org/). The e-Visa is single-entry and not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months of your arrival, renew it before traveling. Valid for at least 6 months | Your Swiss passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Suriname. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready to show at check-in or immigration. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Suriname before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsIt's wise to carry proof of money, though not always asked. Financial means for stay | Immigration may request evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Suriname (e.g., bank statements, cash, or credit cards). | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsImmigration might ask where you're staying — keep your booking confirmation handy. Hotel booking or address | Have your hotel reservation or the address where you will stay in Suriname ready for immigration. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if you've recently been in a yellow fever risk country. Required for some travelers | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Not required when traveling directly from Switzerland. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form online before you go. Not required | No online arrival declaration is required for entry into Suriname. | Not required |
eVisa is mandatory — no exceptions
Swiss citizens cannot enter Suriname without an approved eVisa. There is no visa-on-arrival, and border officials strictly enforce this. Apply well in advance and carry a printed copy.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your departure date from Suriname. If it expires sooner, you'll be refused boarding and entry.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online eVisa application
Go to https://surinameevisa.org/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport's bio page.
2
Pay the eVisa fee
Pay the processing fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, so double-check your details before submitting.
3
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email regularly, including spam folders, for the approval notification.
4
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, print a copy of the eVisa or save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Paramaribo.
5
Arrive at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM)
After landing, head to the immigration queue. Present your passport, eVisa, and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation proof) when asked. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date.
Download Suriname Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-Visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost$80
Requires invitation letter from Surinamese company.
Residence permit (temporary)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$150
For work, study, or long-term stay; apply at Suriname embassy or immigration office.
work visa
Work Permit / Temporary Residence
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
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
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Suriname. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in a Surinamese business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Standard fee for Swiss citizens; payable online. | $40 |
| Tourist e-Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)For multiple entries within validity. | $60 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Immigration Office in Paramaribo before expiry. | $25 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Swiss citizens transiting through Suriname (Paramaribo) do not need a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the international transit area or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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)EssentialYellow FeverEssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Dengue feverHigh risk
Mosquito-borne disease prevalent in urban and rural areas.
MalariaModerate risk
Risk in interior regions; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
ChikungunyaModerate risk
Mosquito-borne virus with periodic outbreaks.
Malaria risk: moderate
Risk in interior regions (e.g., Brokopondo, Sipaliwini). Prophylaxis recommended for travel to these 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 2, Paramaribo
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Paramaribo
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Consular Affairs)
Henck Arronstraat 8, Paramaribo
Mon–Fri 08:00–14:00
Handles visa applications and inquiries.
Practical information for CH 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
Processing usually takes a few business days, but it can take longer during peak travel times. Apply at least 1–2 weeks before your departure to be safe.
No. Swiss passport holders must have an approved eVisa before arriving. There is no visa-on-arrival option for tourism.
The fee is set by the Suriname eVisa system and is payable online. Check the official eVisa website for the current amount — it's non-refundable.
The eVisa typically allows a stay of up to 90 days, but the exact duration is stated on your approved eVisa. Make sure you don't overstay.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa from abroad.
You'll be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. The airline may also refuse to let you board without a valid eVisa.
Suriname requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Since you're coming from Switzerland, it's not required, but check if you're traveling from elsewhere first.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.