Suriname and Benelux agree visa waivers for diplomats

Starting January 1, 2027, holders of Surinamese diplomatic and service passports will be able to travel visa-free to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. The agreement was confirmed by Surinamese Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation Melvin Bouva, following discussions with his Dutch counterpart, Tom Berendsen, during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

While intended to strengthen diplomatic cooperation and reduce administrative hurdles for officials, the measure does not extend to the general Surinamese population. Citizens traveling with regular passports must continue to follow existing Schengen visa procedures for purposes such as tourism, study, or business.