Suriname: immigration

Do I need a visa to visit Suriname?

Most travellers to Suriname do not need a visa but must pay an entry fee online before travel, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an explanation published in January 2025. Suriname abolished the visa worldwide in 2022 and replaced it with the entry fee, but reintroduced visa requirements for 21 countries in 2023.

For Cuba, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, a tourist card is also required as well as a visa. Applications have been online only since 2019. Travellers must show the entry fee voucher at check-in and complete an Immigration and Customs Form.

Official sources: Government of Suriname: visa and tourist card procedure (Dutch)

How many immigrants are there in Suriname?

Suriname recorded 2,842 immigrants in 2024, up from 2,433 in 2023, according to population register figures in the General Bureau of Statistics gender publication 2025. The country's international migrant stock, the number of people living there who were born abroad, was 51,902 in 2024, according to World Bank data.

The publication notes that its emigration figures (310 in 2024) cover only migration between Suriname and the Netherlands, taken from the Dutch statistics office, so they understate total emigration. Net migration therefore cannot be calculated from these figures alone.

Official sources: ABS: gender publication 2025 (PDF) · World Bank: international migrant stock, Suriname

How many immigrants live in Suriname?

According to the UN Population Division, the share of people born abroad in Suriname was 8.2% in 2024. That compares with 7.4% in 2015. It is 9th highest of 33 in Latin America & Caribbean, where the median is 4.8%. Of 193 countries with 2024 data, 72nd highest.

What is net migration in Suriname?

In 2025, net migration in Suriname was -967, according to the UN Population Division. Since 2005 it has ranged from -1,534 (2005) to 191 (2019). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was -967, and Suriname placed 17th highest of 33. Worldwide: 89th of 193.

How many refugees are in Suriname?

24: that is the number of refugees in the country in Suriname for 2025, according to UNHCR. Since 2016 it has ranged from 0 (2016) to 44 (2019). Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 1,306, and Suriname placed 21st highest of 28. Worldwide: 146th of 169.

How many people from Suriname are refugees?

56: that is the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Suriname for 2025, according to UNHCR. Since 2005 it has ranged from 14 (2012) to 65 (2006). Latin America & Caribbean median: 710; Suriname is 32nd highest of 33. World rank, highest first: 161st of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Suriname?

The World Bank puts personal remittances received in Suriname at 3.9% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2021, at 4.7% of GDP; its low point was 2016, at 0.0% of GDP. Across Latin America & Caribbean the middle value was 3.3% of GDP, and Suriname placed 10th highest of 27. Worldwide: 40th of 127.