After being closed for nine long months, Bangladesh’s only coral island, Saint Martin, is set to reopen to tourists from November 1. However, visitors will have to follow 12 strict government directives, and no more than 2,000 tourists per day will be allowed on the island.
According to a gazette issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change on October 22, these directives aim to protect the island’s environment, biodiversity, and ecosystem.
Tourist ships will depart from the BIWTA terminal at Nuniachhara in Cox’s Bazar, but travel from Inani to Saint Martin remains prohibited due to legal restrictions.
🔹 Key points from the 12 directives:
No vessel may travel to Saint Martin without prior approval from the BIWTA and the Ministry of Environment.
Tourists must purchase tickets online through the Bangladesh Tourism Board’s official portal. Each ticket will contain a travel pass and QR code—tickets without QR codes will be considered fake.
In November, tourists can visit only during daytime; overnight stays will not be allowed.
In December and January, limited overnight stays will be permitted, but in February, all tourist travel will be suspended.
Activities such as lighting fires or lamps on the beach, loud parties, and barbecues are strictly prohibited.
Entering Keora forests, collecting or selling Keora fruits, and harming turtles, birds, corals, crabs, or seashells are strictly banned.
Motorized vehicles, including motorbikes and sea bikes, are completely prohibited on the beach.
Polythene and single-use plastics (such as chip packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini soap/shampoo packs, and disposable bottles) are discouraged.
Tourists are encouraged to carry their own reusable water flasks.
The government hopes these measures will preserve Saint Martin’s fragile ecosystem and unique biodiversity, making it a model of responsible and eco-friendly tourism in Bangladesh.