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Tourists heading to Vietnam may want to be extra careful about what they bring into the country
Visitors are being urged to double-check their luggage as Vietnam began strict enforcement of a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
Under the new Decree No. 371, the ban applies to both locals and foreigners, meaning personal use by tourists is no longer permitted and can lead to immediate legal consequences.
The legal repercussions for violating the ban are significant
Individuals caught vaping or using HTPs face fines ranging from 3 million to 5 million dong (RM500 to RM775). Crucially, authorities are empowered to confiscate and destroy the devices on the spot.
The law also holds property owners accountable. Hotels, cafés, and nightlife venues that allow vaping on their premises can be fined up to 10 million dong (RM1,550), while organisations face double that amount.
This is expected to lead to a "zero-tolerance" approach from hotel staff towards guests.
Vietnam is now the sixth country in Southeast Asia to implement such a ban, joining a total of 43 countries worldwide
The enforcement stems from a resolution passed by the Vietnamese National Assembly in late 2024, driven by alarming public health data.
Statistics from the Vietnam Health Ministry showed a sharp rise in vaping among students — climbing from 3.5% to 8.1% in just one year — as well as an increase in poisoning cases linked to "new-generation" tobacco products.
While some physical vape shops may still be visible in certain areas during the initial rollout, enforcement is expected to be swift
Travellers should ensure they do not carry any vaping equipment, liquids, or HTPs into the country to avoid fines or complications at customs and within their accommodation.
