Suriname Passport Checklist — Documents & Application Steps
Suriname passports are issued by the Civil Registry (Directoraat Burgerzaken). This checklist sets out the documents for each application scenario, the rules for minors, how payment works and the photo arrangement. Verified against the Civil Registry (burgerzaken.gov.sr), October 2026.
Documents by scenario
- First passport / new application — an ID card and a birth certificate. If you were born abroad, the birth certificate must carry an apostille and a translation.
- Lost passport — a police report and your ID card.
- Damaged passport — the damaged passport and your ID card.
- Renewal — your old passport and your ID card.
If the applicant is a minor
- The family book or birth certificate.
- Both parents for a child born in wedlock, or the legal representative.
- From 16 upwards, the minor also brings an ID card.
- A notarised authorisation for the minor, using the authorisation form published by the Civil Registry.
Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprints but must still appear in person.
Payment and the ARN number
Payment is made at a point-of-sale terminal or by bank transfer. Before paying, you must first obtain an ARN number from the Civil Registry. The published page does not list the current fee amounts — confirm the fee with Burgerzaken when you lodge the application.
Passport types and validity
- National passport — valid for 10 years, for applicants aged 18 and over.
- Emergency passport — valid for 1 year, without biometric features.
Second passports, diplomatic, service and laissez-passer documents are issued under separate rules.
The photograph
A photo is not compulsory for the Suriname passport application — the passport photo is taken on site at the biometric enrolment point. For a baby, the Civil Registry advises bringing a photo even though it is not required. If you need a photo for another purpose, check the format on the photo size chart.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need for a Suriname passport?
It depends on the case: a new application needs an ID card and a birth certificate (with apostille and translation if born abroad); a lost passport needs a police report and ID; a damaged passport needs the damaged document and ID; a renewal needs the old passport and ID.
What does a minor need to apply for a Suriname passport?
The family book or birth certificate, both parents (for a child born in wedlock) or the legal representative, the minor's ID card from age 16, and a notarised authorisation. Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprints but must appear in person.
How do I pay for a Suriname passport?
By point-of-sale terminal or bank transfer, but you must first obtain an ARN number from the Civil Registry. The published page does not list the fee amounts, so confirm them with Burgerzaken.
How long is a Suriname passport valid?
The national passport is valid for 10 years for applicants aged 18 and over. An emergency passport is valid for 1 year and does not carry biometric features.
Do I need to bring a photo?
No — the photo is not compulsory because it is taken on site at the biometric enrolment point. For a baby, the Civil Registry advises bringing a photo even though it is not required.
What if my birth certificate is from abroad?
A birth certificate issued outside Suriname must carry an apostille and a translation.
Check any photo you do need against the rejection reasons guide and the passport photo checker, follow the at-home photo guide, mind the digital file requirements, and browse the checklists hub.
Photo size chart → All checklists →
Source note: the documents for each scenario, the minors' rules and authorisation form, the ARN payment step, the passport types with 10-year and 1-year validity, and the not-compulsory on-site photo are from the Suriname Civil Registry (Directoraat Burgerzaken), burgerzaken.gov.sr/paspoorten (checked October 2026). Fee amounts are not stated on that page and must be confirmed with Burgerzaken.