Vietnam Bans E-Cigs: What You Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2025, Vietnam has implemented a comprehensive ban on the production, trade, import, storage, transport, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

The ban applies nationwide, including to foreign visitors. Travelers should therefore be aware that bringing these products into Vietnam or using them during their stay may lead to legal consequences.

The measure is part of a broader effort by Vietnamese authorities to protect public health and reduce the risks associated with nicotine and other substances found in these products.

No. Travelers should not bring e-cigarettes, vape devices, heated tobacco products, or related products into Vietnam. The restrictions apply to foreign visitors as well as Vietnamese residents.

If you already use an e-cigarette, do not assume that carrying it in your luggage is allowed simply because you are only passing through an airport. Vietnam's regulations cover the import and possession of these products, so the safest option is to leave them at home before traveling.

The rules can change and enforcement may vary, so travelers should check the latest official information before departure.

The ban applies to everyone in Vietnam, including tourists and foreign visitors. Using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products is prohibited, and the rules apply regardless of nationality.

Since December 31, 2025, individuals caught using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products can face fines of 3 to 5 million Vietnamese dong. The products can also be confiscated and ordered to be destroyed.

More serious violations involving illegal importing, trading, transporting, or manufacturing can lead to substantially heavier penalties under Vietnamese law. The exact penalty depends on the nature and scale of the violation.

For travelers, the safest option is simple: do not bring or use e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products during your trip to Vietnam.

The ban is intended to reduce the availability and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in Vietnam, particularly among young people. Vietnamese authorities have presented the measure as a public-health initiative aimed at reducing nicotine use and preventing the growing popularity of vaping among teenagers and young adults.

For travelers, the practical takeaway is simple: e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are prohibited in Vietnam, and the rules apply to tourists as well as local residents.

Vietnam is not alone in taking a strict approach to e-cigarettes. Countries including Singapore, Thailand, India, Brazil, Mexico, the Maldives and Türkiye have also introduced bans or major restrictions on the sale of e-cigarettes. However, the exact rules differ from country to country — some prohibit sales, while others also restrict import, possession or use.

These measures generally reflect concerns about public health, nicotine addiction and the increasing use of vaping among young people. For travelers, the important point is that Vietnam's rules are particularly strict: e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are prohibited, and the restrictions also apply to visitors.

Vietnam's ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products is part of the country's broader effort to reduce nicotine use and protect public health. The rules are particularly important for travelers, as they apply to visitors as well as local residents.

If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure you understand the current regulations before departure. Bringing or using e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products can result in penalties, so the safest option is to leave them at home and avoid problems during your trip.