As the implementation of this ban progresses, further details regarding enforcement measures and potential penalties – including those affecting foreign travelers – are likely to evolve. We will continue to monitor the situation and update this article accordingly.
As of January 1, 2025, Vietnam officially banned the production, trade, import, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, marking a significant step in Vietnam’s efforts to protect public health.
What does this mean for you and your travelers?
We recommend you communicate the details of this new regulation to your travelers heading to Vietnam. The ban applies to the possession and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products within the country, and travelers should be advised to avoid bringing these items to Vietnam.
Travelers should also be aware that accessories, such as vape chargers, cartridges, and liquids, might be subject to scrutiny and could potentially cause delays at border checkpoints.
However, media reports indicate that Vietnamese citizens face severe penalties for violations, including fines of up to 3 billion VND (about $118 at the time of reporting) and up to 15 years in prison for the most serious cases. While enforcement specifics for visitors remain unclear, strict measures are to be expected.
This is why we suggest you update any pre-departure documentation you share with your travelers and include this information, especially packing advice.
If you have any questions or require additional resources, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Image header copyright: KENZO TRIBOUILLARD |AFP/Getty Images
