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TRAVEL REPORTS:
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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: August 17, 2006 16:56 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:39 EST

Suriname
1.
 INTRODUCTION
2. ATTENTION
3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
4. LOCAL TRAVEL
5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9. MONEY
10. GENERAL INFORMATION
11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13. RETURNING TO CANADA
14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15. TRAVEL TIPS
16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
18. ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

A minor editorial change has been made in section 13 of this Travel Report.

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2. ATTENTION

Recent torrential rainfall has caused severe flooding in the upper part of the Suriname River and Marowijne areas of the country. The President of Suriname has declared the affected areas a disaster zone and army, police and fire personnel are being deployed to these areas to assist people. Canadians are advised to follow the advice of local authorities and to contact the Consulate of Canada in Paramaribo should they require assistance.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Violent and petty crime occurs in Paramaribo and outlying areas. Pickpocketing and robbery are common in the capital, especially in major business and shopping districts. Foreigners are favourite targets. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. Do not show signs of affluence. Avoid walking alone after dark outside the immediate vicinity of major hotels. Theft from vehicles occurs. Banditry and lawlessness are a problem in the cities of Albina and Moengo, and along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina. The Palm Garden, or "Palmentuin," in the Dutch area of Paramaribo should be avoided after dark due to the lack of police presence. Illicit activities take place in the area. Police response, especially at night, is rare for all but the most serious crimes. Police presence outside Paramaribo is scarce. Local police can be reached at 115, fire at 491 111, and ambulance services at 113.

Demonstrations, protests, marches, and strikes, some violent, may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Roadblocks may occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.

Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to Suriname should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

 Traffic drives on the left. Road conditions are different from those in Canada. Many thoroughfares do not have sidewalks, forcing pedestrians and bicycles to share the road. In Paramaribo, most roads are paved but not well maintained. Poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, dangerous driving and poorly maintained vehicles pose hazards. Drive with windows closed and doors locked. Road conditions are worst during and after the rainy seasons. In the interior, some roads are impassable and some bridges are in disrepair. Drivers should check with the Foundation for Nature Conservation (Stichting Natuurbehoud Suriname or STINASU) (country code: 597/ tel.: 421-683 or 476-579/ e-mail: stinasu@sr.net) for the latest conditions. Car rentals are available. Vehicles with foreign plates are required to undergo a vehicle overhaul test to insure that the vehicle is trustworthy, in accordance with Surinamese traffic standards. The owners will then be granted a Surinamese license plate. Avoid driving motorcycles or scooters.

Treks and excursions in the interior should be undertaken only with experienced local tour guides. The dense jungle and local fauna can be hazardous. Contact local authorities and the Consulate of Canada in Paramaribo (see below) for the latest security and travel information.

Taxis are available at major hotels. Agree on a fare prior to departure. Air-conditioned taxis will charge more. Do not hail taxis on the street, as they tend to overcharge foreigners. Avoid using public minibuses. Domestic flights are subject to delays.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The rainy seasons extend from May to August and from November to February. Heavy rains and flooding can occur. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Possession and trafficking of illegal drugs is considered a serious offence. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and/or heavy fines. Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry any items that do not belong to you.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Suriname - PARAMARIBO, Consulate of Canada
Address: Wagenwegstraat 50, Boven, Paramaribo, Suriname
Postal Address: P.O. Box 1449, Paramaribo, Suriname
Tel.: 59 (7) 424-527 or 424-575
Fax: 59 (7) 425-962
E-mail: cantim@sr.net

The Canadian High Commission in Georgetown, Guyana, has consular responsibility for Suriname.

Guyana - GEORGETOWN, High Comission of Canada
Address: High and Young Streets, Georgetown, Guyana
Postal Address: P.O. Box 10880, Georgetown, Guyana
Tel.: 592 227-2081/2/3/4/5
Fax: 592 225-8380
E-mail: grgtn@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.georgetown.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the Canadian High Commission in Georgetown, Guyana, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.
 
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Suriname. The passport should be valid for at least six months . Canadians must also be in possession of a visa and a return or onward airline ticket.

After 30 days in Surinam, all foreigners are required to report within one week to the police, Immigration Section, Building of the Ministry of Public Works, for an extension-of-stay stamp.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Travellers arriving from Guyana, French Guiana, or Brazil are required to show evidence of a yellow fever vaccination.

There is an airport departure tax of US$20 and a terminal fee of US$10 per person.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Consulate of the Republic of Suriname and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

As of January 1, 2004 the Surinamese guilder (SRG) has been replaced by the Surinamese Dollar (SRD). Only exchange currency at hotels, local banks, or official money exchanges ("cambios"). It is illegal and dangerous to exchange currency elsewhere. Credit cards are not accepted outside major hotels. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Suriname (capital: Paramaribo) is located in South America, bordered by French Guiana, Brazil, Guyana, and the Atlantic Ocean. Tourist facilities are not widely available outside the capital. However, Suriname does have a well-organized system of nature parks and reserves and is striving to develop ecotourism facilities by establishing guest houses and tour packages. Telecommunication services are poor, especially during heavy rains. Dutch is the official language, but Sranan Tongo (Surinamese) and English are also widely spoken.



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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are limited outside the capital. There is only one public emergency room with ambulance services. Furthermore there is a Helicopter medical emergency service, HI-JET, which can be reached at 432577 or 110.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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Last Updated:
2006-08-17

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