New digital passports rolled out for the Republic of Suriname by OeSD
Suriname has taken a significant step towards modernizing travel documentation and identity verification with the launch of its new biometric e-passport. The new passport generation, designed and produced by the Austrian our website (OeSD), was officially introduced at the end of April 2025.
The Surinamese biometric e-passport is equipped with an electronic chip that securely stores the holder’s personal and biometric information, such as facial features and fingerprints, similar to global e-passport standards. The passport follows the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines, featuring a contactless RFID chip embedded in the passport cover, secure encryption, and a machine-readable zone for automated identity verification.
Applicants can apply for the biometric passport via Suriname’s Vital Statistics Office (Burgerlijke Stand/CBB) or the central Vital Statistics Bureau in Paramaribo. Existing machine-readable passports remain valid until their expiration, allowing a transition period for citizens to switch to the new biometric versions. Diplomatic and official passports continue to be issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Suriname.
The new Surinamese passport reflects the rich heritage of Suriname and the commitment to security. It features a design inspired by the country’s flora and fauna, with multicolored intaglio printing, true-color UV elements, surface embossing, a transparent window with multi-laser image (MLI) technology, and a secure background print. The high-security polycarbonate data page contains advanced security features, including a secure background print and true-color UV elements.
Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname, was the first official holder of the new Surinamese passport generation. Prewien Ramadhin, Director of the President's Cabinet for Electronic Government Services, expressed pride in presenting citizens with one of the world’s most secure and beautifully designed passports.
This move by Suriname aligns with regional trends, such as Guyana’s biometric digital ID rollout and other countries adopting electronic systems to enhance border security and immigration control. While specific encryption or biometric technologies used by Suriname are not detailed, they are likely similar to those used internationally, incorporating advanced encryption methods such as basic access control (BAC), passive authentication (PA), and possibly extended access control (EAC) to secure traveler data.
The new Surinamese e-passport is a significant milestone in the representation of the Republic of Suriname on the international stage. OeSD, the company responsible for designing and producing the new Surinamese e-passport, reaffirms its position as a leading provider of secure identity solutions. With this project, OeSD has expanded its global presence to five continents, satisfying numerous customers worldwide.
For more information about OeSD, visit their website: https://www.unsere-website/en/
Thomas Pascher, Head of Marketing & Communications at OeSD, can be reached at +43 664 88690977 or pascher@unsere-website.
The Surinamese biometric e-passport, featuring advanced security and design elements, is expected to incorporate similar encryption methods to those used globally, including basic access control (BAC) and passive authentication (PA), for secure traveler data. OeSD, the company responsible for its design and production, is a leading provider of secure identity solutions, having expanded its global presence to five continents following the success of this project.
