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Last Updated:
October 25, 2007 15:25
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:37 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES Section 2 has been updated (exercise a high degree of caution). BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Suriname
Canadians should exercise a high degree of caution in OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Violent and petty crime such as pickpocketing and robbery are common in Banditry and lawlessness are a problem in the cities of Albina and Moengo, and along the Police response, especially at night, is rare for all but the most serious crimes. Police presence outside 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 should avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports. Telecommunication services are poor, especially during heavy rains. BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Surinameh authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 30, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. 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. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties. Foreign Affairs and International Trade 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. A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Suriname. The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa and a return or onward airline ticket. After 30 days in Suriname, 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 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$22 and a terminal fee of US$10 per person. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 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. 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. 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. 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. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Suriname - PARAMARIBO, Consulate of Canada Address: Wagenwegstraat 50, Boven, Paramaribo Postal Address: P.O. Box 1449, Paramaribo, Tel.: 59 (7) 424-527 or 424-575 Fax: 59 (7) 424-962 E-Mail: cantim@sr.net The High Commission of Canada in Georgetown, Guyana, has consular responsibility for Suriname. Guyana - GEORGETOWN, High Commission of Canada Address: High and Young Streets, Georgetown Postal Address: P.O. Box 10880, Georgetown, Tel.: (592) 227-2081; 227-2082; 227-2083; 227-2084 or 227-2085 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. BACK TO TOP 6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons. 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. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY 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. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. 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. Since 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. BACK TO TOP 8. 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. BACK TO TOP 9. 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. BACK TO TOP 10. 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. Travellers should be careful to snake bites, which may be venomous. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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. Adoption: 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. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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