The government will reopen Saint Martin Island to tourists from November 1, with daily visitor numbers capped at 3,500 as the government moves to protect the island’s fragile marine environment.
Tourist access will remain open until March 15, 2027, according to a directive issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Sunday (October 25).
Under the directive, authorised vessels will continue to operate tourist services to the island. However, the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) and the Department of Shipping will not be allowed to permit any vessel to operate to Saint Martin’s without approval from the environment ministry.
Each tourist visiting the island will also have to pay a Tk 100 environmental conservation fee.
The Department of Environment will be responsible for collecting the fee and implementing the necessary environmental management measures.