The Maldives draws folks for its pretty beaches. Luxury spots. And clear waters. But from November 1, 2025, it set a big change in tobacco rules. The land now bans smoking for all young born on or after January 1, 2007. This rule hits locals and visitors too. It makes Maldives first to ban tobacco for a whole group. The move pushes public health. Guards next folks from tobacco harm. The ban covers home people and world travelers. So all who go must know new rules on tobacco and vapes. Here’s key bits if you plan a trip. You know, islands like this draw sun seekers, but rules keep it clean.
The New Smoking Ban in the Maldives
A Historic Milestone for Public Health
The smoking ban started November 1, 2025. It marks a big push against tobacco harm in Maldives. The law stops anyone born after January 1, 2007, from buy, sell, or use tobacco there. This aims at fresh group. To build a no-tobacco world. The Ministry of Health calls this ban a past mark in health work. It shows government push to shield young from smoking risks. And stop next group from hook on tobacco. Think about it, many lands fight smoke, but this cuts a whole age out.
Impact on Tourists
Tourists to Maldives fall under new smoke rules too. The land always had tight tobacco ways. But new law says clear. Visitors under 18, or like age home, can’t buy or use tobacco. Plus, sell tobacco to under age now crime. Punish with fine up to 50,000 rufiyaa, about €2,817. Shops in Maldives must check customer age before sell tobacco. To follow law. For example, a teen from UK on family trip can’t light up. Even if okay home. Guards all young.
Vaping Restrictions: A Nearly €300 Fine
Next to smoke ban, Maldives sets hard rules on vapes. From 2024, the land bans bring in, sell, use, hold, spread electronic cigarettes and vape tools. No matter age. So visitors can’t take vapes for own use. If you come with vape, no punish or block entry. But customs takes the tool on arrival. A customs person gives receipt for taken stuff. You show it when leave to get back. It’s like hold till you go. No big deal, but plan ahead. Some folks forget and lose vapes.
Tobacco Products: What You Can Bring Into the Maldives
For folks who want take tobacco to Maldives, there set amounts. Tourists can bring for own use: Up to 200 cigarettes. 25 cigars. 250 grams loose tobacco. Over these, customs takes. Holds for up to 30 days. Tourists get back at Velana International Airport leave spot before fly out. Simple, but stick to limits. Or face wait to get extra back. Like if pack 300 cigarettes, lose 100 till end.
Will the Ban Affect Tourism?
Not Expected to Deter Tourists
Some worry new rules hit Maldives tourism. But the land’s tobacco board thinks no. It won’t push visitors away. Ahmed Afaal, vice chair of board, said folks don’t come to Maldives to smoke. They come for great beaches. Clear sea. Sun days. Fresh air. Afaal added new rules brought no big cancels or less books. Tourism numbers keep up. Maldives eyes over two million visitors next year. The land stays top for luxury trips. Its push on healthy spot draws travelers still. For instance, in 2024, hit 1.8 million. 2025 looks to top that. Even with rules.
Conclusion
Maldives new smoke ban for young, include tourists, marks bold past step. To make no-tobacco group. The ban hits all born after January 1, 2007. Stops buy, sell, use tobacco. Plus, hard rules on vapes say no bring to land. These steps seem tight. But part of Maldives wide health push. No sign ban hurts busy tourism. Maldives keeps top spot for luxury, green break. Government sticks to healthy spot for home and visitors. For folks plan visit, learn these rules. To make trip smooth. Follow tobacco, vape limits. Enjoy what this island heaven gives. While respect land work to guard health for next. And hey, fresh air there beats smoke anyway.
