Tourists can stay overnight on Saint Martin’s Island from November 1 to March 15, 2027, under revised government guidelines that also raise the average daily tourist limit to 3,500.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the revised guidelines on Tuesday, resolving confusion over an earlier restriction that required tourists visiting in November to return on the same day.
The new rules amend provisions of a 2025 notification following decisions made at an inter-ministerial meeting on October 12. The previous rules banned overnight stays in November, allowed them in December and January, capped daily visitors at an average of 2,000, and prohibited tourist visits in February.
The revised measures aim to balance tourism with the conservation of the country’s only coral island, tourist safety and transport management.
Approved tourist vessels will continue operating from Nuniachhara Ghat in Cox’s Bazar. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority and the Department of Shipping cannot authorise vessels to operate to the island without approval from the environment ministry.
Other restrictions remain in place. Tourists must buy tickets through a Bangladesh Tourism Board-approved website, and each ticket must include a travel pass and QR code.
Lighting, noise, and barbecue parties on beaches and nearby areas at night are prohibited. Entering casuarina forests, collecting casuarina fruit and trading in it are also banned.
Visitors must not damage the island’s wildlife and marine biodiversity. Motorcycles and sea bikes are prohibited on the beach, while carrying banned polythene is not allowed. Single-use plastics are discouraged, and tourists are advised to bring reusable water flasks.
Relevant ministries and agencies, including the Department of Environment, Cox’s Bazar district administration, the Bangladesh Tourism Board and tourist police, have been asked to take steps to implement the revised guidelines.
Cox’s Bazar Life Desk
