- The easiest route from the UK is via Amsterdam, with direct KLM and Surinam Airways flights
- Paramaribo's wooden historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Most of the country is rainforest, reached by small plane or riverboat
- Cars drive on the left and Dutch is the official language
- Airports
- Paramaribo Johan Adolf Pengel International (PBM)
- Flight time
- about 12-14h from London to Paramaribo, usually with one stop in Amsterdam
- Best time to go
- Mid-August to November (long dry season) and February-March
- Currency
- Surinamese dollar (SRD)
Suriname is South America's smallest independent country and one of its most surprising. A former Dutch colony, it has an extraordinary mix of people, with Hindustani, Creole, Javanese, Maroon, Chinese and indigenous communities, so you'll find mosques and synagogues side by side in the capital and roti, nasi goreng and pom on the same menu. Beyond the coast, over 90% of the country is covered in rainforest, much of it reachable only by river or light aircraft.
Dutch is the official language and Sranan Tongo the everyday lingua franca, but English is widely understood in Paramaribo. Suriname is three hours behind the UK (four in British Summer Time), traffic drives on the left and plugs are mostly the two-pin European type, though voltage can vary, so check before plugging in hairdryers. This South America guide covers where to go, when to visit and what to budget.
Entry requirements
British passport holders do not usually need a full visa for a short tourist visit, but you are normally required to complete an online entry form and pay an entry fee before you travel. Your passport should be valid for at least six months, and proof of yellow fever vaccination may be requested; vaccination is recommended for the interior. Requirements have changed several times in recent years. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Suriname
Paramaribo
The capital's historic inner city, with its white-painted wooden buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See Fort Zeelandia on the Suriname River, the wooden Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and the neighbouring Neveh Shalom Synagogue and Keizerstraat Mosque. In the evening, join locals for food at the Waterkant riverfront stalls.
Commewijne plantations
Across the river, the Commewijne district is dotted with old coffee, cocoa and sugar plantations, many now in ruins or gently restored. Cycling tours from Paramaribo are popular, and boat trips on the river often spot dolphins.
Brownsberg Nature Park
About two to three hours' drive south, Brownsberg sits on a plateau above the Brokopondo Reservoir with waterfalls, howler monkeys and big views. Many trips combine it with a boat ride to Tonka Island on the reservoir.
The Upper Suriname River and the interior
Riverside lodges in Maroon villages along the Upper Suriname River, reached by road and dugout canoe, offer jungle walks, rapids and cultural visits. The vast Central Suriname Nature Reserve, another UNESCO site, holds Raleighvallen and the granite dome of Voltzberg, usually reached by charter flight.
Galibi and the coast
On the north-east coast near the French Guiana border, Galibi is a nesting site for leatherback and green turtles, typically from about February to August.
Best time to visit Suriname
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Short wet season (December-January) | Showers, but usually not too disruptive |
| Short dry season (February-March) | Pleasant conditions and good for turtle season starting |
| Long wet season (April-mid August) | Heavy rain and high rivers; lush rainforest |
| Long dry season (mid August-November) | The most reliable weather for the interior and river trips |
Getting there from the UK
There are no direct UK flights. KLM and Surinam Airways fly non-stop from Amsterdam Schiphol to Paramaribo in about nine to ten hours, so a one-stop journey via Amsterdam from Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and many other UK airports is the easiest route. Alternatives include connections via Miami or the Caribbean. Allow about 12-14 hours in total.
Johan Adolf Pengel airport is about 45 km south of Paramaribo, so arrange a hotel transfer or taxi in advance, especially for evening arrivals.
Getting around
Paramaribo's centre is compact and walkable, and taxis are inexpensive (agree the fare first). Minibuses serve towns along the coast. For the interior, most visitors join organised tours, which include road transfers, river boats and charter flights from Zorg en Hoop airfield in Paramaribo. Car hire is possible for the coast and Brownsberg, but remember to drive on the left.
Money and costs
The Surinamese dollar has been volatile in recent years, and US dollars and euros are widely accepted for tours and hotels. Bring cash in clean notes, as cards aren't accepted everywhere and ATMs don't always take foreign cards. Paramaribo is moderately priced, with mid-range trips costing roughly £60-100 per person per day, but interior lodge packages are more expensive because of the transport involved. Tip about 10% in restaurants if service isn't included.
Frequently asked questions
Do they speak English in Suriname?
Dutch is official and Sranan Tongo is widely spoken, but many people in Paramaribo speak good English, especially in the tourist trade.
Is Suriname safe to visit?
Most visits are trouble-free. Take care of valuables in Paramaribo, avoid quiet areas after dark and travel to the interior with a reputable operator.
How many days do you need in Suriname?
A week covers Paramaribo, Commewijne and a short rainforest trip. Ten days lets you add the Upper Suriname River or Raleighvallen.
Can I combine Suriname with Guyana or French Guiana?
Yes. Ferries and boats cross the border rivers to both countries, though connections can be slow, and see our Guyana guide for ideas.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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