Suriname: Authorities reduce hours of nationwide curfew; most COVID-19-related restrictions to remain in force through March 25 /update 25

Event

Authorities in Suriname have reduced the hours of the country's COVID-19-related curfew while extending most existing domestic and international restrictions through at least March 25. The new curfew hours will run 23:00-05:00 Monday through Friday, and 21:00-05:00 Saturday through Sunday. Only essential workers, including medical workers and emergency services personnel, are exempt from the curfew.

Under the modified restrictions, restaurants may resume seated dining outside until 22:00 Monday through Friday and until 20:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. The same restrictions apply to carryout services; however, restaurants may continue delivery service until 23:59. Indoor dining remains prohibited. While supermarkets and other shops may operate outside of curfew hours, only two people per household are permitted to shop in them.

Some nonessential businesses, such as casinos, resorts, gyms, and salons, may continue to operate. Night clubs and bars remain closed. Gatherings remain limited to 10 persons. Government offices may operate, albeit with strict limits on occupancy. All persons over 12 years of age are required to wear facemasks when outside their homes.

All incoming international commercial passenger flights are suspended, with only cargo flights and specially authorized repatriation flights being allowed. Domestic flights are also restricted to cargo transport and emergency flights. The movements of arriving travelers are highly restricted; transport from the airport to accommodations is controlled, and all incoming travelers must complete a mandatory seven-day quarantine. The following additional entry requirements are in place:

• Incoming travelers must provide a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken 72-120 hours before their arrival in Suriname.

• Arriving travelers must provide proof of a confirmed accommodation booking of at least seven days at a registered Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHATA) hotel or lodging. Home quarantine is only allowed with written permission from the Ministry of Health.

• Nonresidents are required to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.

Passenger travel via Suriname's land and sea borders remains restricted; however, cargo, medical, and emergency transportation is continuing.

Officials are likely to deploy increased security to enforce the restrictions and facilitate domestic movements around the country. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel and transportation arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Suriname COVID-19 Information
Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHATA)