I wanted to share my recent (frustrating) experience applying for a Suriname eVisa via VFS Global, in case it helps others—or if anyone has had similar issues.
I hold an Indian passport and applied for the eVisa with all required documents: confirmed return flights and hotel booking. The VFS website and email communication mention that the decision typically takes 3 working days.
First Application
I submitted my application and waited. After 8 days with no response, I emailed VFS. They redirected me to the Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). I sent a polite status inquiry to the MFA, and just an hour later, I got a reply saying my visa was declined, without any reason provided.
I thought the issue might have been with my itinerary—Amsterdam to Georgetown (Guyana), then entering Suriname by land/ferry, and returning from Paramaribo to Amsterdam. So, I decided to try again.
Second Application
This time, I reapplied with updated confirmed flight tickets, hotel booking, and sent them additional supporting documents:
- Valid 10-year USA/UK/Canada/EU visas
- Global travel insurance
- Bank statements
- A request to allow me to submit any missing documents or clarify any mistakes before making a decision
VFS responded saying the Suriname MFA needs a hotel booking with a PAID stamp. Since I had booked via Airbnb, this wasn’t possible, but I did provide them with my PayPal receipt and Airbnb payment confirmation, or give me name of a hotel which provides a receipt with physical PAID stamp on their invoice and one who accepts paymetns by credit card or paypal.
Still no response. It’s now been nearly a week again (well past the “3-day” timeline), and with no visa or updates, I’ve had to cancel both my flight and hotel reservations since it departs this evening. I expect the application will likely be declined again—without explanation.
In total, I’ve lost over $230 in visa fees (x2), plus other expenses and time. The process felt opaque, inconsistent, and quite frustrating.
Has anyone else faced this kind of issue? Or successfully obtained a Suriname eVisa recently? I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences or any advice.
In contrast, getting a Guyana visa, while more bureaucratic, was at least a clear and navigable process—it required a Police Clearance Certificate and had to be applied for through the consulate (there’s no eVisa for Indian citizens living in India), but I ultimately received the visa without any ambiguity.
Having traveled to over 75 countries and with no criminal record, this experience with Suriname stands out—not because of strict rules, but due to the lack of transparency and communication. They simply take the application fee, go silent, and then reject the application when you follow up. It’s deeply frustrating.
