Suriname is located on the northeastern coast of South America, bordered by Brazil to the south, Guyana to the west, and French Guiana to the east. Its location makes it an ideal gateway for refugees who want to seek asylum in other countries in the region, such as Brazil or Canada.
Suriname has a low cost of living compared to other countries in the region. This makes it an attractive destination for refugees who may not have a lot of financial resources. Housing, food, and transportation costs are relatively low, making it easier for refugees to get settled and start a new life. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in seeking asylum in Suriname, along with verified government links for additional information.
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Step 1: Arrive in Suriname
The first step in seeking asylum in Suriname is to arrive in the country. This can be done by air or by land, depending on your location and circumstances. If you are arriving by air, you will need to apply for a visa before your arrival. Suriname offers a visa-free travel policy to some countries, including the United States and the European Union, but others may require a visa. You can find more information on visa requirements on the website of the Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://mfa.gov.rs/en/citizens/travel-abroad/visas-and-states-travel-advisory/suriname
Step 2: Apply for Asylum
Once you have arrived in Suriname, you can apply for asylum by filling out an application form at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or the Suriname Ministry of Justice and Police. The application must be submitted within two months of your arrival in Suriname. You will need to provide information about your identity, your country of origin, and the reasons why you are seeking asylum. You can find more information on the application process on the website of the UNHCR in Suriname: https://www.unhcr.org/sr/asylum-seekers
Step 3: Interview and Investigation
After you submit your application, you will be scheduled for an interview with the Suriname Refugee Board, which will assess your claim for asylum. The interview will focus on your reasons for seeking asylum and any evidence you present must support your claim. The Refugee Board may also conduct an investigation into your claim, including verifying your identity and contacting your family members or other sources of information.
Step 4: Decision
Once the investigation is complete, the Refugee Board will make a decision on your asylum application. If your application is approved, you will be granted refugee status and given a residence permit, which will allow you to stay in Suriname for an indefinite period of time. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision to the courts.
How To Apply Suriname E-Visa
From July 1, 2022, Suriname unilaterally abolished the requirement to obtain a visa for Suriname for all nationalities if entering for tourism purposes or family visits. However, an entry fee of 25 USD or 25 Euros is required to be paid online prior to arrival. Here some links with more information about applying for E-visa.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Suriname
Step 1: Determine your eligibility for an e-visa, not everyone is eligible for an e-visa to Suriname. You can only apply for an e-visa if:
- You are a citizen of one of the countries listed on the Suriname e-visa website
- You are traveling to Suriname for tourism or business purposes
- You will be staying in Suriname for no more than 90 days
Suriname E-Visa | VFS Global | Official partner of the Government of Suriname (vfsevisa.com)
Step 2: Gather the required documents.
To apply for an e-visa to Suriname, you will need the following documents:
A passport with at least six months of validity remaining
A digital passport photo (in JPG or PNG format)
A flight itinerary or proof of travel arrangements
A valid credit or debit card for payment
Step 3: Fill out the e-visa application form
Once you have gathered all the required documents, you can begin filling out the e-visa application form. The form can be found on the Suriname e-visa website. You will need to provide your personal information, passport details, travel itinerary, and payment information.
Step 4: Pay the e-visa fee
The e-visa fee for Suriname varies depending on your nationality. You can find the fee schedule on the Suriname e-visa website. Once you have filled out the application form, you will need to pay the fee using a valid credit or debit card.
Step 5: Submit your e-visa application
After paying the fee, you will be able to submit your e-visa application. Make sure that all the information you have provided is accurate and up-to-date. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
Step 6: Wait for your e-visa to be processed
The processing time for an e-visa to Suriname is usually three to five business days. You can check the status of your e-visa application on the Suriname e-visa website using your reference number.
Step 7: Print your e-visa
Once your e-visa has been approved, you will receive an email with a link to download your e-visa. Print out a copy of your e-visa and bring it with you when you travel to Suriname.
In Conclusion
Seeking asylum in Suriname can be a challenging process, but it is important to follow the procedures carefully and provide as much evidence as possible to support your claim. The Suriname government is committed to protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, and there are resources available to assist you throughout the process. For more information on seeking asylum in Suriname, you can visit the website of the UNHCR in Suriname: https://www.unhcr.org/sr/
Written By: Barbara Eddah.