Briefing de orientación en Surinam

Los españoles exploraron Surinam por primera vez en el siglo XVI, y los ingleses lo colonizaron a mediados del siglo XVII. Surinam se convirtió en colonia neerlandesa en 1667. Con la abolición de la esclavitud africana en 1863, se trajeron trabajadores de la India y de Java. Los Países Bajos concedieron la independencia a la colonia en 1975. Cinco años después, el gobierno civil fue reemplazado por un régimen militar que pronto declaró a Surinam república socialista. Este siguió ejerciendo el control a través de una sucesión de administraciones nominalmente civiles hasta 1987, cuando la presión internacional obligó finalmente a celebrar elecciones democráticas. En 1990, los militares derrocaron a la dirigencia civil, pero un gobierno democráticamente elegido —una coalición de cuatro partidos— regresó al poder en 1991. La coalición se amplió a ocho partidos en 2005 y gobernó hasta 2010, cuando los votantes devolvieron al poder al antiguo líder militar Desire BOUTERSE y a su coalición opositora. El presidente BOUTERSE se presentó sin oposición en 2015 y fue reelegido. Los partidos de la oposición hicieron campaña con fuerza contra BOUTERSE en la antesala de las elecciones de 2020, y se instauró una coalición multipartidista dirigida por el VHP de Chandrikapersad SANTOKHI y el ABOP de Ronnie Brunswijk. 

Demonstrations can become violent and lead to roadblocks and travel disruption. Be careful when travelling around the country and avoid large crowds. Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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This guide also has safety advice for regions of Suriname.

Terrorism  

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad. 

Terrorism in Suriname 

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Suriname, attacks cannot be ruled out.  

Political situation 

Demonstrations can become violent and lead to roadblocks and travel disruption. Be careful when travelling around the country and avoid large crowds. Monitor media and follow the advice of local authorities.  

Crime 

There have been incidents of burglary, armed robbery and violent crime in the capital, Paramaribo, and surrounding areas.

Criminals could target you in quiet or secluded areas, including in the Palm Garden (‘Palmentuin’) and other parts of Paramaribo.

Pickpocketing and robbery are increasingly common in the major business and shopping areas.  

Protecting yourself and your belongings 

Keep valuables such as your passport, travel documents, driving licence and credit cards secure and keep photocopies in a separate place. 

To reduce your personal risk, avoid wearing expensive jewellery or displaying large amounts of money in public.

Attacks against fishing boats 

There have been reports of attacks against fishing boats in and around the waters of Suriname.   

Robberies while travelling in Suriname  

Tourists have been robbed when travelling in central Suriname, away from the coastal areas. Use a well-established tour company if you intend to travel to these parts of the country. 

Laws and cultural differences  

Illegal drugs penalties 

There are severe penalties for all drug offences. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. 

Money 

Credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels. Check with your hotel whether it accepts credit cards. Some cash machines in Paramaribo will accept international credit and debit cards and dispense Surinamese dollars. 

Transport risks  

Road travel  

If you are planning to drive in Suriname, see information on driving abroad. 

You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.  

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. 

Some drivers may have poor road sense, and there may be frequent hazards, inadequate lighting and poor road conditions in some areas. When driving at night, take care to avoid cyclists, pedestrians and animals. 

Only use licensed taxis or those on official hotel taxi ranks. Do not hail taxis from the roadside. 

Air travel 

The UK Air Safety List (ASL) lists all known airlines in Suriname that do not meet international safety standards and are banned from operating commercial air services to, from, and within the UK. Check the UK Air Safety List when considering which airlines to fly with. The list is maintained by the Department for Transport, based on advice from the UK Civil Aviation Authority. 

If you’re travelling with a tour operator, check whether they have concerns about airlines in Suriname. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Flooding  

Suriname is prone to flooding, particularly in the north and centre of the country, during the rainy season in May to August. 

Heatwaves 

Severe heat can cause problems, particularly with livestock, the young and elderly. Keep in the shade where possible and remain hydrated.

This section has safety advice for regions of Suriname. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Suriname-Guyana border

The UN’s International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in has ruled on the maritime border dispute between Suriname and Guyana. However, Suriname still claims an area of land (the New River Triangle) in south-east Guyana.

Take care when travelling to this area.

Suriname-French Guiana border

Suriname has a border dispute with French Guiana.

Take care when travelling to this area.

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

Call 113 or 115 and ask for an ambulance. 

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks 

At least 8 weeks before your trip: 

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Suriname  
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page 

See what health risks you’ll face in Suriname, including: 

• yellow fever
• Zika virus
• dengue 
• schistosomiasis 

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in Suriname 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Suriname.   

Medical facilities are severely limited in Suriname. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.  

Not all medical facilities accept payment from insurance companies. You may need to pay in advance and claim the cost back from your travel insurance.  

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.