After a nine-month closure, Saint Martin’s Island will reopen to tourists from November 1, with a daily visitor limit of 2,000 people. However, visitors must strictly adhere to 12 government directives aimed at preserving the island’s fragile ecosystem and biodiversity.
Tourist vessels will depart from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) jetty at Nuniachhara in Cox’s Bazar. Due to legal restrictions, travel to Saint Martin’s Island from Ukhia’s Inani point will remain prohibited.
To safeguard the island’s unique natural environment, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued a gazette notification on October 22 outlining specific guidelines for tourism management.
According to the notification, no vessel will be allowed to operate to or from Saint Martin’s Island without approval from BIWTA and the Ministry of Environment. Tourists must purchase tickets exclusively through the official online portal recognized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board. Each ticket will include a travel pass and a QR code, and any ticket without a valid QR code will be considered counterfeit.
The travel schedule and tourist presence on the island will be strictly regulated. In November, tourists will only be permitted for daytime visits with no overnight stays allowed. Overnight stays will be permitted in December and January, while the island will be completely closed to tourists in February. No more than 2,000 tourists will be allowed to visit the island per day.
To maintain the island’s pristine environment, lighting, loud music, or barbecue parties on the beach at night will be prohibited. Entry into Keya forests, collection or trade of Keya fruits, and any harm to marine turtles, birds, corals, crabs, or other biodiversity are strictly forbidden.
Motorized vehicles such as motorcycles and sea bikes will not be allowed on the beach. The use of polythene is banned, and visitors are discouraged from bringing single-use plastics such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap and shampoo packs, or plastic bottles of 500 and 1000 milliliters. Tourists are instead encouraged to carry reusable water flasks.
Authorities believe that implementing these new regulations will help protect the delicate ecosystem of Saint Martin’s Island and transform it into a model of responsible and eco-friendly tourism in Bangladesh.
