From: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Subject: DOSTRAVEL Suriname Consular Information Sheet 07/16/99 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1999 15:45:37 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Reply-To: "U.S. Dept of State Listserver" Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:2300 Path: world!root Sender: US Dept of State Travel Warnings Message-ID: <199907271546.KAA53062@piglet.cc.uic.edu> Approved: usenet@world.std.com Distribution: wstd Comments: To: dostravel@uic.edu Lines: 220 Suriname - Consular Information Sheet July 16, 1999 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Republic of Suriname is a developing nation located on the northern coast of South America. Tourist facilities are widely available in the capital city of Paramaribo, but are less developed and in some cases, non-existent in the rugged jungle interior. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens entering Suriname are required to have a passport, visa, and a return airline ticket. There is a $45 processing fee for business and tourist visas. A business visa requires a letter from the sponsoring company. There is an airport departure charge of $10 and a terminal fee of $5 per person. After eight days in Suriname, all foreigners are required to report to the Office of Foreigner Affairs (Vreemdelingendienst) for an extension-of-stay stamp. For further information, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Suriname, 4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 460, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 244-7488, or the Consulate in Miami at 7235 NW 19TH St. Miami, Fla. 33126, telephone (305) 593-2163. SAFETY/SECURITY: Since 1998, demonstrations and disruptive political labor strikes in Paramaribo have become unpredictable and occasionally violent. There is insufficient police authority outside of Paramaribo and the other larger urban areas in the country. Banditry and lawlessness are on the rise in the cities of Albina and Moengo and along the East-West Highway between Paramaribo and Albina. In addition to these places, travelers proceeding to the interior should be aware that they may encounter difficulties due to a lack of government authority. Limited transportation and communications may hamper the ability of the U.S. Embassy to assist in an emergency situation. CRIME INFORMATION: As in many capital cities, burglary, armed robbery and violent crime exist in Paramaribo and in outlying areas. Crimes against people and property do occur regularly. Foreigners in general are viewed as targets of opportunity, but there has been no specific targeting of U.S. citizens. While travel to the interior is generally trouble-free, there have been reports of tourists being robbed. Travelers proceeding to the interior are advised to make use of well- established tour companies for safer experiences. While there have been few reports of criminal incidents in the vicinities of the major hotels used by tourists, night walks outside the immediate vicinity of the hotels are not recommended. The U.S. Embassy advises all visitors to avoid the Palm Garden or 3Palmentuin2 in the Dutch area after dark. It has no police presence and is commonly used for illicit activity. Pickpocketing and robbery are on the rise in the major business and shopping districts in Paramaribo. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying large amounts of money in public. Make every attempt to change currency at hotels, local banks, or official money exchanges or 3cambios2. Do not exchange currency on the street, as this is both dangerous and illegal. Theft from vehicles is infrequent, but does occur, especially in areas near the business district. Drivers are cautioned not to leave packages and other belongings in the vehicle in plain view. When driving, keep windows and doors locked. For safety reasons, use of public mini-buses is strongly discouraged. There is an emergency number, 31152, for police, fire and rescue. Fire and rescue services provide a relatively timely response, but police response, especially during night-time hours, is a rarity for all but the most serious of crimes. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" for ways to promote a more trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical care, including emergency medical care, is limited and does not meet U.S. standards. Most hospitals are open-air facilities. However, private rooms with air conditioning are available at extra cost. There is one public emergency room in Paramaribo, which in mid 1999 was without a neurosurgeon. Other medical specialists may not always be available. A small ambulance fleet provides emergency transport. Emergency medical care outside of Paramaribo is limited and is virtually non-existent in the interior. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Some hospitals require an advance deposit for non-emergency services. MEDICAL INSURANCE: U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas may face extreme difficulties. Check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas, including provision for medical evacuation. Ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas hospital or doctor or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State9s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure 3Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad,2 available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: The U.S. Embassy encourages travelers to wear sunglasses, sunscreen and hats to reduce exposure to the sun. Sealed bottled water is safe to drink and can be purchased in local hotels, restaurants, and grocery stores. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention9s hotline for international travelers at (1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via their Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov. TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Suriname is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Safety of Public Transportation: fair. Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: poor. Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: poor. Availability of Roadside Assistance: poor. In Suriname, traffic moves on the left, although left-hand drive cars are allowed on the road. Excessive speed, unpredictable driving habits, poorly maintained roads and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are daily hazards on Suriname9s roads. Visitors are encouraged to use automobiles equipped with seat belts and to avoid the use of motorcycles or scooters. Roads in Paramaribo are mostly paved, although upkeep is often a problem. Large potholes are common on city streets, especially during the rainy season. Roads are often not marked with traffic lines. In addition, many main thoroughfares do not have sidewalks, forcing pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle traffic to share the roads. The East-West Highway is a paved road, connected by ferry service at major river crossings, which stretches from Nieuw Nickerie in the west to Alvina in the east. Banditry is increasing between Moengo and Albina and police recommend that travelers check with the police station in Moengo or Albina for the latest safety information. The East-West Highway runs through agricultural areas, and it is not uncommon to see slow-moving farm traffic or animals on the road. Roads to the interior are sporadically maintained dirt roads that pass through rugged, sparsely populated rain forest. Most roads are passable for sedans only in the dry season. These roads deteriorate rapidly in the rainy season. Interior roads are not lit, nor are there service stations or emergency call boxes. Many bridges in the interior are in various states of repair. Travelers are advised to consult with local sources regarding interior road conditions before proceeding. For specific information concerning Suriname driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Embassy of Suriname in Washington, D.C. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Suriname9s Civil Aviation Authority as Category 3 -- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Suriname9s air carrier operations. Flights to the U.S. by Suriname9s air carriers are not permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by a carrier from a country meeting international safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet website at http://cas.faa.gov. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at (703) 697-7288. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Suriname laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Suriname are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Major credit cards are not widely accepted outside of the major hotels, nor are ATM cash machines widely available. Travelers should contact their intended hotel to confirm that credit cards are accepted. Transportation, communications and other infrastructure elements, while better in Paramaribo than other regions of the country, do not meet U.S. standards. The government of Suriname, which established one of the world9s largest nature preserves in 1998, and private tourism companies encourage ecotourism and have expanded tourism to the interior by establishing guest houses and tour packages. Y2K INFORMATION: U.S. citizens contemplating traveling or residing abroad in late 1999 or early 2000 should be aware of potential difficulties. They may wish to consider taking practical precautions against possible disruptions of services triggered by the Y2K computer phenomenon. Monitor the home page of the Bureau of Consular Affairs for updates on Y2K issues at http://travel.state.gov/y2kca/html. CHILDREN9S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children, international parental child abduction, and international child support enforcement issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children9s_issues or telephone (202) 736-7000. REGISTRATION/EMBASSY AND CONSULATE LOCATIONS: Americans living in or visiting Suriname are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Paramaribo and obtain updated information on travel and security in Suriname. The U.S. Embassy is located at Dr. Sophie Redmondstraat 129 in Paramaribo, telephone 011 (597) 477-881, consular fax number 011 (597) 425-788. Hours of operation for American Citizen Services and inquiries are Monday and Wednesday, 8:00am-10:00am or by appointment. For emergency assistance outside these hours telephone the Embassy duty pager at 011 (597) 088-0338. ***** This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 1, 1998 to add sections on Safety/Security, Medical Insurance, Other Health Information, Criminal Penalties, Special Circumstances, Y2K Information, and Children9s Issues and to update sections on Country Description, Traffic Safety/Road Conditions, Aviation Safety Oversight, and Registration/Embassy location.