Travelers heading to the Maldives should be aware of a strict new anti-tobacco law that creates a "smoke-free generation," a measure that applies universally to both citizens and tourists. The Maldivian government announced the generational smoking ban in November 2025, which prohibits the sale, use, and possession of all tobacco products for anyone born on or after **January 1, 2007**. This is in addition to the country's existing outright ban on the importation and use of all vaping products.
This means that any tourist born after this date, regardless of the legal smoking age in their home country, cannot legally purchase or smoke cigarettes during their stay in the Maldives. The ban is enforced at all points of sale, including shops, resorts, and airport duty-free outlets. Older adults can still purchase cigarettes, but smoking is generally restricted to designated outdoor zones, with a broad prohibition in most "public places" like workplaces, cinemas, restaurants, and on public transport.
Vaping and Alcohol: A Strict Prohibition for Imports
For vapers, the rules are even more stringent and predate the new smoking law. The **import, sale, and use of all vapes, e-cigarettes, and related accessories are banned outright** across the Maldives. Tourists attempting to bring these devices into the country risk having them confiscated by customs officers at Malé’s Velana International Airport and may face fines.
Similarly, as an Islamic nation, the Maldives prohibits the importation of alcohol by tourists. While luxury resorts and liveaboard yachts are licensed to serve alcohol to guests, travelers cannot bring their own bottles through the airport. Any alcohol found in luggage upon arrival will be confiscated.
Penalties for Violations
The new legislation includes significant penalties, primarily focused on deterring illegal sales and imports:
- Selling to the Restricted Generation: Any person or business caught selling tobacco products to an individual born on or after January 1, 2007, faces a hefty fine of MVR 50,000 (approximately $3,200 USD).
- Importing Vapes: Travelers found with vapes or e-cigarettes upon arrival can face fines of up to MVR 5,000 (approximately $320 USD), in addition to having the devices confiscated.
- Smoking in Non-Designated Areas: Individuals caught smoking outside of designated zones, particularly on local islands, may face smaller fines of around MVR 500 (approximately $32 USD).
While resorts operate under some separate tourism regulations, they are still bound by national law and cannot sell tobacco to the restricted age group. Hotels on local islands are generally much stricter, with very limited designated smoking areas. Travelers are advised to always check resort policies and be mindful of these comprehensive regulations to ensure a smooth and compliant holiday.c
