Is smoking allowed in the Maldives?
Since November 2025 the Maldives has a generational tobacco ban: anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 may not buy or use tobacco, and this applies to foreign visitors too. Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned for everyone. Here is what the rules say and what to check before you travel.
What the law says
| Who | Tobacco | Vapes and e-cigarettes |
|---|---|---|
| Born on or after 1 January 2007 | May not buy, use or be sold tobacco, including foreign visitors | Banned |
| Born before 1 January 2007 | Not covered by the generational ban | Banned |
| Everyone | Retailers must check age before a sale | Banned for all ages |
The generational ban was added to the Tobacco Control Act and came into effect in November 2025, according to the World Health Organization and press reports. The WHO says it applies universally, including to foreign visitors. The Maldives was widely reported as the first country to do this.
Fines
Press reports give two figures: a fine of MVR 50,000 (about USD 3,200) for selling tobacco to a person born on or after 1 January 2007, and a fine of MVR 5,000 (about USD 320) for using a vape device.
We took these figures from the press, not from the text of the law, so confirm them before you rely on them. Whatever the amount, a fine and a confiscated device are a poor way to end a holiday.
Bringing tobacco or a vape
The official customs circular of the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (AT 01/2024, December 2024) lists vapes, e-cigarettes and related products and devices as totally prohibited on arrival. Do not pack them.
The same circular allows passengers over 18 on a tourist visa to bring 200 cigarettes, 35 cigars or 250 g of tobacco without customs duty. It was issued before the generational ban, so if you were born on or after 1 January 2007, do not bring tobacco at all.
Where you can smoke
The generational rule decides who may use tobacco. Where adults may smoke is a separate question, and the answer depends on the place.
Ask your accommodation before you light a cigarette, and ask us about the rules on Thoddoo before you travel.
What this means for your trip
- If you were born in 2007 or later, plan the trip without tobacco.
- Leave vapes and e-cigarettes at home, whatever your age.
- If you smoke, check the rules with your accommodation before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can tourists smoke in the Maldives?
It depends on the birth year. Anyone born on or after 1 January 2007 may not use tobacco, and the WHO says this applies to foreign visitors too. Others should ask their accommodation where smoking is allowed.
Can I bring a vape?
No. The customs circular lists vapes, e-cigarettes and related products as totally prohibited, and the WHO describes a nationwide ban for all ages.
How many cigarettes can I bring?
According to the customs circular, passengers over 18 on a tourist visa may bring 200 cigarettes, 35 cigars or 250 g of tobacco duty-free. It predates the generational ban, so guests born on or after 1 January 2007 should bring none.
What is the fine?
Press reports mention MVR 50,000 for selling tobacco to a covered person and MVR 5,000 for using a vape. We have not checked these against the text of the law.
When did the ban start?
In November 2025, according to the WHO. Most press reports give 1 November.
Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.
