Saint Martin's Island Reopens with Strict New Tourist Rules

Saint Martin's Island, Bangladesh's only coral island, has reopened today (November 1) after a nine-month closure aimed at ecosystem recovery. To ensure responsible tourism and protect its fragile environment, authorities have implemented a comprehensive set of rules and limitations.

Visitor Cap and Travel: A strict daily cap of 2,000 visitors is enforced. All tourists must purchase tickets online through the Bangladesh Tourism Board portal, which will issue a QR code travel pass.

Travel Route Change: Vessels will now depart from Cox's Bazar city instead of the previous Teknaf route. Travel from Inani in Ukhiya remains prohibited.

Overnight Stays: Not allowed in November. They will be permitted in December and January. The island will close again in February. Environmental Protection (Bans): Tourists are forbidden from entering Keya forests, collecting Keya fruits, or harming any wildlife, including turtles, birds, corals, king crabs, and shells. Beach Restrictions: Motorcycles, sea bikes, and motorized vehicles are banned on the beach.

Night Activities: Lighting fires, making loud noise, or holding barbeque parties is forbidden.

Plastic Use: The use of single-use plastics (chips packets, straws, plastic bottles, etc.) is discouraged; visitors are advised to bring reusable water flasks.

Officials noted that the closure significantly improved the environment, with red crabs and marine species now breeding along the beaches, highlighting the need for the new, controlled tourism model.