Only 2,000 visitors allowed per day as island reopens for two months

St Martin's Island is one of Bangladesh's most loved tourist spots. To protect its fragile environment and biodiversity, the government now allows tourists to stay on the island for only two months a year.

The tourism season began yesterday and will continue until the end of January. Each day, a maximum of 2,000 tourists can travel to the island, and everyone must have a QR-coded travel pass issued through government-approved channels. Without this QR code, a ticket is not valid.

How to get the travel pass

Many visitors are unsure about the new rules. According to Saiful Alam, ticketing officer of Karnafuly Cruiseline, tourists do not need to apply separately for the travel pass. When someone buys a ticket from the authorities of any approved vessel or from authorised travel agents, the QR-coded pass is included automatically.

However, travellers must collect the printed ticket with the QR code before boarding.

Approved cruise ships

Hossainul Islam Bahadur, general secretary of the Sea Cruise Owners Association of Bangladesh, said six ships have been approved this season: MV Karnaphuly Express, MV Baro Aulia, MV Bay Cruise, MV Kajol, Keari Sindbad, Keari Cruise & Dine.

Travel schedule

Ships will depart from Cox's Bazar's Nuniachhara jetty at 7:00am daily and return from St Martin's Island at 3:00pm. This schedule will run until January 31.

Rules to protect the island

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued 12 directives on October 22.

Key points include: The island is open for three months from November 1, but overnight stays are allowed only in December and January; no lights on the beach at night; no loud music, barbeque parties, or entry into coastal forests; collecting or selling Keya fruit, or harming any wildlife -- such as turtles, birds, corals, king crabs or shells -- is prohibited; motorcycles, sea bikes, and all motorised vehicles are banned on the beach; tourists must not carry polythene or single-use plastics, including chip packets, straws, plastic spoons, small shampoo/soap packs, or 500ml/1-litre bottles, and visitors are encouraged to bring reusable water flasks.

Conservation status

St Martin's was declared an Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) in 1999. On January 4, 2023, the government declared 1,743 sq km of the surrounding Bay of Bengal a marine protected area to ensure long-term conservation.