Saint Martin's Island 2026–27: the new rules, ships and travel pass
The island is open from 1 November to 15 March, with overnight stays allowed all season and a cap of 3,500 visitors a day. Here is what to know before you go.
Saint Martin's Island opened for the tourist season on 1 November 2026 and stays open until 15 March 2027. The biggest change this year: overnight stays are allowed for the whole season. Numbers are capped, though, and you cannot travel without a travel pass.
At a glance
| 2026–27 season | |
|---|---|
| Open | 1 November 2026 – 15 March 2027 |
| Overnight stays | Allowed all season |
| Daily visitor cap | 3,500 |
| You need | A travel pass and a QR-code ticket |
| Conservation fee | Tk 100 per person |
| Ships leave from | BIWTA jetty, Nuniachhara, Cox's Bazar town |
Can you stay the night?
A directive on 25 October said November would be day trips only, with overnight stays allowed in December and January. A revised notification on 27 October clarified that overnight stays are allowed throughout the season.
Ships and timings
No ships ran in the first days of the season while approvals were pending. Services began on 5 November. Three ships have been approved so far, with a combined capacity of 2,298 passengers. Published timings:
| Ship | Leaves Cox's Bazar | Leaves Saint Martin's |
|---|---|---|
| MV Bar Aulia | 7:00 am | 2:30 pm |
| MV Karnaphuli | 7:15 am | 2:15 pm |
| MV Teknaf | 8:15 am | 3:30 pm |
If you plan to stay overnight, confirm the date of your return sailing when you book. For current fares and the latest timings, see the Saint Martin ship schedule and travel pass rules on saintmartinshipticket.com, run by TourVill (see disclosure below).
What is not allowed on the island
- Lights on the beach or nearby areas at night
- Loud noise and barbecue parties
- Entering keya (screw pine) forests, or collecting, buying or selling keya fruit
- Harming sea turtles, birds, corals, snails, mussels, starfish, horseshoe crabs, seagrass or algae
- Motorcycles, jet skis and similar vehicles on the beach
Saint Martin's is Bangladesh's only coral island. These rules exist to keep it that way.
Before you go
- Get your travel pass and QR ticket before booking the ship.
- The 3,500-a-day cap fills up on holidays; book early.
- Staying overnight? Confirm your hotel or resort in advance.
- Carry Tk 100 per person for the conservation fee.
- Bring as little plastic as possible, and take your waste back with you.
FAQ
When is Saint Martin's Island open to tourists in 2026–27?
From 1 November 2026 to 15 March 2027.
Can tourists stay overnight on Saint Martin's Island?
Yes. A revised government notification on 27 October 2026 allows overnight stays throughout the season.
How many tourists can visit Saint Martin's Island per day?
A maximum of 3,500 visitors per day.
Do I need a travel pass for Saint Martin's Island?
Yes. Every visitor needs a travel pass and a QR-code ticket, issued through the Bangladesh Tourism Board, and must pay a Tk 100 environmental conservation fee.
Where do ships to Saint Martin's leave from?
From the BIWTA jetty at Nuniachhara in Cox's Bazar town.
Sources
- Saint Martin's Island travel guide 2026–27, Prothom Alo, 25 October 2026
- St Martin's to allow overnight stays throughout 4.5-month tourist season, The Business Standard, 31 October 2026
- Tourist ships to Saint Martin's Island set to resume tomorrow, The Business Standard, 4 November 2026
Disclosure: Bangladesh Traveller is a Jaaaz Holdings company. TourVill, a Jaaaz Holdings partner company, sells Saint Martin ship tickets through saintmartinshipticket.com. Tickets are also sold by the ship operators and other agencies.
Also available in Bangla: সেন্টমার্টিন ভ্রমণ ২০২৬–২৭: নতুন নিয়ম, জাহাজ আর ট্রাভেল পাস
