By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian.

As of early 2026, Sanibel Island is fully open to visitors, though the landscape is still in a state of "new normal" following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022. While the causeway has long been repaired and major beaches like Bowman's Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park have reopened, several specialized beach restoration projects were scheduled to conclude by the end of 2024 and early 2025. By March 2026, the vast majority of the island's iconic resorts, vacation rentals, and restaurants are operational, though you may still see some active construction or "recovery zones" in residential areas. Travelers are encouraged to visit to support the local economy, but officials advise staying mindful of the ongoing natural recovery; some vegetation is still growing back, and certain smaller access points may have restricted parking. The famous shelling remains world-class, and visitors no longer face the strict curfews or checkpoints that were in place during the initial recovery phases. It is highly recommended to book accommodations well in advance, as capacity is still slightly below pre-hurricane levels.