Suriname • KLM direct from Schiphol • No visa, entry fee 50 euros • UNESCO heritage Paramaribo

Cheap flights to Suriname 2026

Short answer: KLM flies up to 7 times a week direct from Amsterdam Schiphol to Paramaribo (PBM) in about 9 hours 15 minutes. Surinam Airways flies 3 times a week. Return from about 877 euros when booking 3 months in advance. No visa required for Dutch citizens, but a mandatory entry fee of 50 euros applies. Best season: August to November (main dry season).

Book your trip to Suriname

Compare hotels in Suriname Package holiday to Suriname Car hire in Suriname

Direct flights from the Netherlands to Suriname

Direct flights Netherlands to Suriname 2026
Airline	Departure	Flight time	Return from
KLM	AMS (Schiphol)	about 9h15	from 877 euros (main dry season)
Surinam Airways	AMS (Schiphol)	about 9h15	3x/week, from approx. 1,000 euros

Suriname: what you need to know

Suriname is the smallest sovereign state in South America by area, yet one of the richest in biodiversity: 93 percent of the country is pristine rainforest. Paramaribo (450,000 inhabitants) is the capital and only major city. Remarkably, Suriname is the only nation in South America where Dutch is the official language.

Plan your trip to Paramaribo: flight, hotel and total price in one go

The currency is the Surinamese dollar (SRD). The exchange rate fluctuates significantly; exchange at an official bureau de change. Dutch citizens need no visa but must pay a mandatory entry fee of 50 euros (single entry) at suriname.vfsevisa.com. An ICF form is also required (digital, free, mandatory since January 2025). Maximum tourist stay: 90 days.

Paramaribo: UNESCO heritage of South America

The historic city centre of Paramaribo has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2002 for its exceptionally well-preserved colonial wooden architecture.

The Waterfront (oldest street in the city), Independence Square with the Presidential Palace and the Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral - the largest wooden building in South America (1883) - are all free to visit and representative of the multicultural melting pot that Suriname is.

Top sights in Paramaribo

Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral Roman Catholic cathedral from 1883-1887 known as the largest wooden building in South America, and also in the Caribbean. Free admission, open Tue-Sun 8:00 to 16:00. Following a long restoration period, the building has been fully renovated.
Fort Zeelandia The English laid the first foundations around 1650; the current brick fort with pentagonal plan was built by the Dutch. Houses the Suriname Museum. Exterior free; museum open Tue-Fri 9:00-14:00 and Sun 10:00-14:00 (closed Mon and Sat). Tip: free guided tours on Sundays.
Palm Garden (Palmentuin) Peaceful garden behind the Presidential Palace with 101 royal palms reaching up to 25 metres, planted in the 17th century by the colonisers. Free admission; popular for a break from the busy city centre.
The Waterfront Paramaribo's oldest street runs along the Suriname River and is lined with colonial buildings now housing restaurants, cafes and galleries. Atmospheric for an evening walk or a beer with river views. Free.
Central Market Daily market (Mon-Sat, 5:00-17:00) with more than 3,000 stalls: tropical fruits, local herbs, textiles and Surinamese food. Most atmospheric market in the country, right on the Waterfront. Free to visit.

Nature and jungle: the real reason to visit Suriname

Suriname's pristine rainforest is one of the last great primary forests in the world. Popular routes from Paramaribo: day trip to Brownsberg Nature Park (87 km, panoramic view over Brokopondo reservoir, jaguar habitat, from 50 SRD entry).

Multi-day tours with a guide to Amerindian villages in the interior (from 150 euros per day including transport and guide) are a unique experience unavailable anywhere else in the region.

When are flights to Suriname cheapest?

Book at least 3 months in advance for the lowest price. Suriname has four seasons:

Short dry season (February-April): Pleasant weather, good for budget travellers. Return from about 900 euros.
Long rainy season (May-August): Heavy tropical downpours; accommodation 20-30 percent cheaper. For adventurous travellers only.
Main dry season (August-November): Best time to visit. September and October are the most pleasant months. Return from about 877 euros.
Short rainy season (December-January): Holidays make this the busiest and most expensive period. Christmas: 1,200 euros or more return.

Similar tropical destinations

Compare Suriname with other long-haul destinations from the Netherlands.

Aruba Bonaire Curacao Bali Cairo Singapore

Useful guides

📅When to book flights 🔄Compare destinations 🚗Car hire in Suriname

Updated 24 September 2026

Frequently asked questions

Do Dutch citizens need a visa for Suriname?

Dutch citizens need no visa for Suriname. A mandatory entry fee of 50 euros (single entry) is required via suriname.vfsevisa.com. An ICF form is mandatory (digital, free). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Maximum tourist stay: 90 days.

When is the best time to visit Suriname?

The main dry season (August to November) is the best time; September and October are most pleasant. The short dry season (February-April) is also good. Avoid the long rainy season (May-August) for outdoor activities.

How do I get from the Netherlands to Suriname?

KLM flies up to 7 times a week direct from Schiphol to PBM in about 9 hours 15 minutes. Surinam Airways flies 3 times a week. From the airport to Paramaribo: taxi about 80 euros, GoVia bus 15 euros per person.

What does a trip to Suriname cost?

Return flight from about 877 euros. Guesthouse from 25 euros per night. Daily budget excluding flights: backpacker 50-80 euros, average 100-150 euros. Week holiday including flights: 1,500 to 2,500 euros per person.

What are the highlights outside Paramaribo?

Brownsberg Nature Park (day trip, 87 km): panorama over Brokopondo reservoir and wildlife. Galibi: sea turtles April-August. Multi-day jungle expeditions to Amerindian villages via certified guide (from 150 euros per day).