The short answer. Declare everything on the ICF form, carry less than US$10,000 in cash, bring medicines with a prescription, and do not take raw gold or wildlife out of the country.
Money
Cash Limit
Carrying US$10,000 or more, or the same value in other currencies, across the border is not allowed under a decision of the Foreign Exchange Commission. The limit applies when you arrive and when you leave, and amounts over it can be seized and referred to the police.
Allowances
Alcohol, Tobacco and Gifts
The official ICF form lists these duty-free amounts for residents aged 18 or over:
| Item | Duty-free amount |
|---|---|
| Spirits, wine, beer | 1 litre of spirits, 4 litres of wine, 8 litres of beer |
| Tobacco | 200 cigarettes, or 20 cigars, or 200 cigarillos, or 500 g of tobacco |
| Perfume | 250 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette |
| Other goods | USD 500 a year in personal and household goods |
For visitors the form simply asks you to declare all dutiable items, so these amounts are a useful guide. Your own luggage for the trip is not taxed, but declare new goods you bring as gifts or to sell.
Food and Plants
Fruit, Meat, Plants and Animals
Declare all fruit, plants, meat, honey, soil and animals on the ICF form. Plants and flowers may be brought in but must be inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture (LVV), and fresh meat, fruit and plants can be refused at the border.
Health
Medicines
Carry medicines in your hand luggage with the prescription. If you travel from the Netherlands, medicines covered by the Dutch Opium Act, such as strong painkillers and ADHD medication, need an English medical statement certified through the CAK.
Restricted
Weapons, Fireworks, Drugs and Drones
- Firearms and ammunition, even a spent casing, are illegal without prior authorisation and can lead to arrest.
- Fireworks, chemicals, pesticides and medicines in commercial amounts need an import licence.
- Drugs are prohibited and carry long prison sentences.
- Drones: flying is banned over the presidential palace, ministries, military grounds and the Central Bank, and filming around Independence Square needs permission. Check with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASAS) before you bring one.
Pets
Bringing a Pet
You need an import permit from the Veterinary Service (LVV), a health certificate issued within seven days before travel, deworming and parasite treatment, and proof of rabies protection. Cats from countries that are not rabies-free need a rabies antibody test taken 3 to 12 months before travel and two weeks of isolation after arrival, and the Veterinary Service must be told 48 hours ahead. Ask the Veterinary Service for the current conditions well before you fly.
Leaving
What You May Not Take Out
- Raw gold: taking it out without permits leads to seizure and arrest under the foreign exchange and anti-smuggling laws. Keep receipts for gold jewellery.
- Songbirds such as the twa-twa and picolet, and other protected animals: export is prohibited.
- Cash of US$10,000 or more.
Remember the departure ICF form too. Entry fee and form details are on the entry requirements page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cash can I bring into Suriname?
Less than US$10,000 or the equivalent. Carrying US$10,000 or more across the border is not allowed, on the way in and on the way out, and the ICF form asks about it.
Can I bring cheese or meat from the Netherlands?
Declare it on the ICF form. Small amounts for personal use are often accepted, but customs and the Ministry of Agriculture (LVV) can refuse fresh meat, fruit and plants.
Can I take gold out of Suriname?
Not raw gold: taking it out without permits leads to seizure and arrest. Keep the receipt for any gold jewellery you buy.
Can I take a twa-twa or other bird home?
No. Songbirds such as the twa-twa and picolet, and other protected wildlife, may not be exported, and smuggling them is punished with fines and jail.
Sources: icf.sr (ICF form and FAQ), US State Department, NederlandWereldwijd, Government of Suriname veterinary conditions (August 2026) and the Suriname Forest Service. Checked 26 October 2026.