DHAKA, Oct 29, 2025 (BSS) –The country’s lone coral island and coveted tourist spot, Saint Martin   will reopen to tourists from November 1. 

Various preparations are underway to ensure smooth travel for the tourists.

As like previous years, tourists visiting the coral island will have to follow 12 government-issued guidelines.

Cox’s Bazar Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Md Shahidul Alam told BSS that tourists must follow the government’s directives to preserve the island’s natural balance, biodiversity and picturesque beauty. 

The district administration will strictly enforce all 12 government instructions this year.

According to the Department of Environment, as in the previous year, tourist vessels will operate from the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) jetty at Nuniachhara in Cox’s Bazar town to Saint Martin’s Island. 

Due to legal restrictions, travelling from Inani of Ukhia to Saint Martin’s  Island  remains prohibited.

A circular issued on October 27, 2025, by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change informed the Ministry of Shipping, BIWTA, and the Department of Shipping about the government’s policy approval regarding this decision.

According to the latest government circular, no vessel will be allowed to operate to and from Saint Martin’s Island without prior approval from the BIWTA and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Tourists must purchase tickets online through a web portal officially recognized by the Bangladesh Tourism Board. 

Each ticket will include a travel pass and a QR code. Any ticket without a valid QR code will be considered as counterfeit.

This year, the schedule of visits and the number of tourists on the island will strictly be regulated. 

During November, tourists will be allowed for only day trips but  overnight stays will be prohibited. 

In December and January, overnight stays will be permitted, while in February,   travel to the island for the tourists will remain completely suspended. 

A maximum of around 2,000 tourists per day will be allowed to visit the country’s lone coral island.

To preserve the island’s fragile ecosystem, activities such as lighting on the beach at night, creating noise, or organizing barbeque parties have been banned. 

Entry into Keya forests, collection or trade of Keya fruits, and harming marine turtles, birds, corals, king crabs, shells, and other biodiversity are strictly prohibited.

Motorcycles, sea bikes, and any other motorized vehicles will not be allowed to operate on the beach. 

Carrying of banned polythene products is prohibited, and the use of single-use plastic items—such as chips packets, plastic spoons, straws, mini packs of soap or shampoo, and 500ml or 1,000ml plastic bottles—has been strongly discouraged. 

Tourists are advised to bring their own reusable water flasks.