Suriname wants to make arrangements with more countries on visa-free travel and simpler visa procedures. Improving the visa application process for the Netherlands is also high on the diplomatic agenda. This was stated by Minister Melvin Bouva of Buitenlandse Zaken, Internationale Handel en Samenwerking (BIS, Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation) following talks during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to Bouva, Suriname’s international opening-up must be accompanied by more travel opportunities for Surinamers. “Suriname must be open to the world. And the world must be open to Suriname,” the minister said.
Suriname is therefore holding talks on visa-free access, adjusted travel arrangements and the simplification of existing procedures. Bouva mentioned Azerbaijan, Panama and the Dominican Republic, among others, as countries with which arrangements have been made or talks are underway.
Agreements with Panama
According to the minister, agreements have been made with Panama on aviation, international connections and an adjusted visa regime. These are intended to make travel to Panama easier for Surinamers. In addition, travellers with a Schengen visa or American visa can travel to Suriname under certain conditions.
An adjusted visa arrangement has also been prepared with Saudi Arabia, according to Bouva. Its formal completion is expected to take place shortly.
Visa application for the Netherlands
In talks with the Netherlands, Suriname is not focusing exclusively on full visa exemption. Bouva also wants improvements within the existing procedure, including the possibility of issuing visas with a longer period of validity.
According to the minister, Surinamers sometimes receive visas valid for only a limited period, while travellers from other countries are granted multi-year visas under certain conditions. He therefore wants to improve the application procedure and “make it somewhat friendlier for our Surinamers as well.”
Bouva stressed that the historical and family ties between Suriname and the Netherlands must be taken into account in the talks. Surinamers travel to the Netherlands for family visits, study and holidays, among other reasons. “We have a historical bond with the Netherlands. That should not exist only in words,” he said.
According to Bouva, the Netherlands has pledged to examine improvements to the process and provide support in the process towards the European Union. The minister sees the expansion of visa-free and simplified travel arrangements as part of Suriname’s broader diplomatic strategy.
