Bangladesh has rolled out new strict restrictions on tourist trips to St Martin’s Island to protect its fragile ecosystem and coral reefs.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the notification on October 22. It takes effect at once and follows the 2023 conservation guidelines. Deputy Secretary Abdullah-Al-Mamun signed the order on behalf of the President.

From November, day trips only are allowed. No one can stay overnight. In December and January, overnight stays return but daily visitor numbers are capped at an average of 2,000 people. The island shuts completely to tourists in February.

All travellers now need a special ticket bought through the Bangladesh Tourism Board web portal. Each ticket comes with a QR code travel pass. Fake tickets without the code will not be accepted.

Ships cannot sail to the island without prior ministry approval. The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) must check permission first.

Night-time noise, beach lighting, and barbeque parties are banned. Tourists cannot enter the Keya forest or pick, buy, or sell Keya fruits. Harming corals, sea turtles, birds, shells, starfish, ghost crabs, seagrass, or seaweed is strictly forbidden.

Motorcycles and sea bikes are no longer allowed on the beach. Single-use plastics such as straws, small shampoo packs, and 500 ml or 1000 ml water bottles are strongly discouraged. Visitors should bring refillable flasks instead. Banned polythene bags remain prohibited.

Local tour operators say the rules will hit the peak season hard but agree the island needs protection after years of overcrowding and damage.

St Martin’s Island, Bangladesh’s only coral island, has faced growing pressure from rising visitor numbers in recent years.