Suriname: Authorities tighten and extend COVID-19-related restrictions through April 21 /update 27

Event

Authorities in Suriname have tightened the restrictions in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Effective April 8 through at least April 21, curfew hours will be extended nationwide to run 20:00-05:00 Monday through Friday and 18:00-05:00 on Saturdays and Sundays; previous curfew hours were 23:00-05:00 on weekdays and 21:00-05:00 on weekends. Only essential workers, including medical workers and emergency services personnel, are exempt from the curfew.

Moreover, under the tightened restrictions, restaurants may only allow on-premises dining and carryout until 19:00 Monday through Friday and 17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Restaurants may continue delivery service until 23:00. Shops, businesses, and other public places must close by 19:00 on weekdays and 17:00 on weekends. Only two people per household are permitted to shop at supermarkets and other stores.

Other existing measures remain largely unchanged. While some nonessential businesses, such as casinos, resorts, gyms, and salons, may continue to operate, nightclubs and bars must remain closed. The consumption of alcohol outside private homes is banned. 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.

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 are 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)