Suriname on a British Licence 2026: IDP Required, Keep Left
United Kingdom
Suriname
Yes, with an international driving permit. GOV.UK says to keep the correct IDP and your UK licence in the car. Ask the embassy or hire firm which version. Suriname drives on the left.
Here is what sets Suriname apart for a British driver: like the UK, and unlike nearly all of South America, Suriname drives on the left. There is no side switch. The paperwork, though, goes beyond a photocard.
The permit is required
GOV.UK says: “You’ll need to have both the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car.” GOV.UK’s IDP table does not list Suriname. For countries missing from the table, GOV.UK says to check with the embassy and, when hiring, with the car hire company, so confirm the version before you buy. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK. Hire firms often set stricter conditions of their own, such as a year of experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Global Affairs Canada’s advice for Canadian drivers says a local driver’s permit is also needed. That advice is written for Canadian licences, so ask your hire company whether it applies to you.
Shape of the country
Most of Suriname is rainforest, and the usable road network runs along the coastal strip around Paramaribo. Inland, surfaced roads soon become rough tracks. GOV.UK warns that some drivers have poor road sense, and that hazards, poor lighting and bad surfaces are common in places. At night, watch for cyclists, pedestrians and animals. Use only licensed taxis or those on official hotel ranks.
Emergency numbers
115 for ambulance, fire and police. GOV.UK also lists 113 for ambulance and 110 for fire.
See the Suriname driving guide, and confirm documents with the Driving Permit Checker before you collect the car.
Sources
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Suriname, safety and security (IDP, hire terms, road hazards): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/suriname/safety-and-security
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Suriname, getting help (emergency numbers): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/suriname/getting-help
- GOV.UK, international driving permit table (countries not listed: check with the embassy): https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
- Global Affairs Canada, Suriname travel advice (local driver’s permit, for Canadian licences): https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/suriname
Speed limits, fines, equipment & license requirements
Your home country driving rules for reference
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but GOV.UK says you need both the correct version of the international driving permit and your UK licence with you in the car. GOV.UK's IDP table does not list it, and for countries missing from the table GOV.UK says to check with that country's embassy, and with the car hire company if you are renting.
Yes. Suriname drives on the left, so British drivers have no side switch, which is unusual in South America.
GOV.UK says hire firms often set stricter conditions, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP. Canada's advice for its own drivers also mentions a local driver's permit, so ask your hire firm whether one is needed.