Vietnam has recently joined the Maldives in banning the import and use of vapes and e-cigarettes as of January 2025. This move raises the question of which other popular tourist destinations among Russians have similar restrictions in place. In this article, we will provide an overview of the current vaping regulations in various countries and regions frequented by travelers.

Vietnam and Maldives: Strict Bans and Potential Penalties

As of January 1, 2025, Vietnam has prohibited the import, production, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vapes throughout the country. Violators face fines of up to 2 million Vietnamese dong (approximately $78 USD) for personal use, and up to 3 billion dong (over $120,000 USD) or imprisonment for up to 15 years for sale, production, or commercial import.

Currently, there are no clear instructions from Vietnamese authorities on how the new law will be enforced at the border, such as whether devices will be confiscated and disposed of on-site or if travelers will be allowed to store their vaping equipment and components for retrieval upon exit.

Tour operators advise against bringing any vaping devices or related components (e.g., liquids, cartridges) to Vietnam, even if not in use, as their mere possession may be considered a violation of the law.

The Maldives implemented a similar ban on the import of all vaping materials in mid-November 2024. As of December 15, the use, storage, production, sale, and advertising of vapes are prohibited in the island nation. The Maldives Customs Service enforces the ban by confiscating devices and related materials, which travelers can retrieve at the customs office in the departure terminal of Velana International Airport upon leaving the country.

Vaping Restrictions in Asia

Many Asian countries have strict bans on vaping and the import of e-cigarettes:

• Thailand: A ban on all types of electronic smoking devices, including vapes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco systems, has been in place since 2014. Violators face hefty fines or imprisonment for up to five years.
• Singapore: E-cigarettes and related components are prohibited from being imported, with criminal liability for violators. Fines for possession and use can reach up to 2,000 Singapore dollars ($1,500 USD), while fines for import can reach 10,000 Singapore dollars ($7,500 USD) or result in a 6-month prison sentence. Customs officers may confiscate devices and fine passengers even during transit flights through the country.
• Hong Kong (China): The import of any e-cigarettes, vapes, or non-tobacco smoking mixtures is prohibited, although this restriction does not apply to traditional tobacco cigarettes.
• Taiwan (China): The import of e-cigarettes and liquids is prohibited. Even transit passengers must declare all vaping equipment, which will be returned upon leaving the country.
• India: E-cigarettes are banned from import, possession, and use, with violations punishable by up to one year in prison and fines of up to 100,000 Indian rupees (approximately $1,200 USD). Devices may be confiscated during inspections.

Vaping Bans in Latin America

Several Latin American countries also have restrictions on vaping:

• Cuba: The import of all types of e-cigarettes and hookahs is prohibited, and devices will be confiscated at the airport.
• Uruguay, Colombia, Argentina, Panama, Brazil, and Mexico: The import and use of vaping devices are banned.

Middle East and North Africa: Mixed Regulations

Vaping regulations vary across the Middle East and North Africa:

• United Arab Emirates (Dubai): The import of e-cigarettes and vapes is allowed, but their use is strictly regulated. Vaping is only permitted in designated areas, and travelers are advised to verify whether smoking is allowed in specific locations.
• Jordan, Oman, and Qatar: The import and sale of vaping devices are prohibited, with no exceptions.
• Egypt: Personal vaping devices are allowed.
• Turkey: While the commercial import of e-cigarettes is banned, an exception is made for personal use. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas.

Vaping Restrictions in the CIS Countries

Some countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) have recently tightened their vaping regulations:

• Kazakhstan: As of June 20, 2024, all forms of vape sales are prohibited. E-cigarettes cannot be brought across the border, even for personal use.
• Kyrgyzstan: The import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes are banned as of July 1, 2025. Fines for importing vapes and e-cigarettes with liquid reservoirs range from 150,000 to 200,000 soms ($1720-$2300 USD), although the enforcement of personal use and control measures remains unclear.
• Uzbekistan: A law banning the import and circulation of e-cigarettes (vapes) was adopted in late January 2025 and is currently under consideration in the Senate, awaiting approval. The implementation date of this restriction is uncertain. During the law's discussion, the local Ministry of Health stated that foreigners would be informed about the ban and tobacco products would be confiscated at the border.
• Tajikistan: There is no ban on the import and sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
• Armenia: Both the use and import of vapes are permitted.
• Azerbaijan: The situation is similar to Armenia, with no restrictions on vaping or importing devices.
• Georgia: Vaping is allowed, and tourists can bring devices for personal use or purchase them locally. However, vaping is prohibited in public places such as restaurants, bars, offices, and transportation, but permitted on the street and in designated smoking areas.
• Belarus: Currently, there is no ban on importing vaping devices and e-cigarettes. However, a draft law on the circulation of e-cigarettes and related liquids is under discussion. The proposed law does not intend to limit the import of devices for personal use, but aims to prohibit the illegal import of non-tobacco smoking systems.

Upcoming Changes in Russia

Russia is also set to introduce restrictions on vaping. The State Duma has prepared a bill to ban the import of vapes into Russia. The speaker of the lower house of parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, has also proposed preparing a cross-factional legislative initiative to ban vapes, aiming to consider it before the end of the session.

• Read more: 33 Countries Have Banned E-Cigarettes and Vapes

Conclusion

As vaping regulations continue to evolve worldwide, it is crucial for tourists to stay informed about the specific laws and restrictions in their destination countries. By understanding and adhering to local regulations, tourists can avoid potential fines, confiscation of devices, and legal consequences. When in doubt, it is advisable to leave vaping devices and related components at home and seek clarification from local authorities or tour operators before traveling.