Is vaping legal in Singapore in 2026?

No. Vaping has been illegal in Singapore since 2018 under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. The ban covers all e-cigarettes, vape pens, mods, e-liquids, and components. There are no exceptions for tourists or personal use.

What happens if you get caught vaping in Singapore?

First-time offenders face fines up to S$2,000 (~$1,500 USD). Repeat offenders can be fined up to S$10,000 (~$7,500 USD). Importing vapes carries fines up to S$10,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment. Selling vapes can result in fines up to S$20,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

Can I bring my vape to Singapore?

No. Bringing vaping devices or e-liquids into Singapore is illegal. Customs officers at Changi Airport actively scan for vape products using X-ray machines. Devices will be confiscated and you may be fined or prosecuted.

Is the vaping ban enforced in Singapore?

Yes, strictly. Singapore is known for rigorous law enforcement. Health Sciences Authority (HSA) officers conduct regular checks, and customs at Changi Airport specifically screens for vape products. Tourists are not exempt from enforcement.

Can I buy vapes in Singapore?

No. Selling vape products is illegal in Singapore with penalties up to S$20,000 fine and 12 months imprisonment. There is no black market worth risking - Singapore's enforcement is extremely effective.

What are the alternatives to vaping in Singapore?

Legal nicotine options include traditional cigarettes (heavily taxed), nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and lozenges available at pharmacies like Guardian and Watsons. Note that cigarettes in Singapore cost approximately S$15-20 per pack due to high taxes.

Can You Vape in Singapore? 2026 Laws, Fines & Traveler's Guide

Can You Vape in Singapore? The Short Answer

No, you absolutely cannot vape in Singapore. The city-state has one of the strictest vaping bans in the world, with comprehensive enforcement and significant penalties. This includes:

All vape devices (pens, mods, pod systems)
E-liquids with or without nicotine
Heat-not-burn devices (IQOS, glo)
Vape components, coils, and accessories
Imitation tobacco products

Singapore does not make exceptions for tourists, personal use, or small quantities. The country's reputation for strict law enforcement is well-deserved—if you bring a vape to Singapore, you will likely be caught and penalized.

Is Vaping Legal in Singapore? Understanding the Law

Singapore banned e-cigarettes in February 2018 under amendments to the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act (TCASA). The law prohibits:

Importing vaping products into Singapore
Selling or distributing vape devices and e-liquids
Purchasing any vaping equipment
Possessing e-cigarettes or components
Using vapes anywhere in Singapore

What's Specifically Banned

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) defines prohibited products broadly:

Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers
E-liquids (with or without nicotine)
Heated tobacco products (IQOS, glo, Ploom)
Any device designed to deliver nicotine or simulate smoking
Components and accessories for these devices

There are no gray areas in Singapore's law. Even empty vape devices or zero-nicotine e-liquids are illegal.

What Are the Penalties for Vaping in Singapore?

Singapore's vaping penalties are severe and consistently enforced:

Offense	First-Time Penalty	Repeat Offense
Possession or use	Up to S$2,000 (~$1,500 USD)	Up to S$10,000 (~$7,500 USD)
Importing vapes	Up to S$10,000 + 6 months jail	Higher fines + longer imprisonment
Selling vapes	Up to S$20,000 + 12 months jail	Up to S$50,000 + 2 years jail
Online purchase	Up to S$5,000	Up to S$10,000

Real Consequences for Tourists

Unlike some countries where vaping laws exist but aren't enforced, Singapore actively prosecutes offenders:

Immediate device confiscation at customs or upon detection
On-the-spot fines or court summons
Potential detention for serious offenses
Criminal record that may affect future travel
Deportation in extreme cases

Singapore processes hundreds of vaping-related offenses annually, including many involving tourists.

How Strictly Is Singapore's Vaping Ban Enforced?

Extremely strictly. Singapore is famous for its rigorous law enforcement, and vaping is no exception.

Where Enforcement Is Strongest

Changi Airport - Customs uses X-ray machines that can detect vape devices. Officers are trained to identify vapes in luggage. Random bag inspections are common.
Orchard Road - Heavy foot patrols in Singapore's main shopping district
Marina Bay Sands area - Popular tourist area with strong enforcement presence
Clarke Quay - Nightlife district with regular checks
Sentosa Island - Tourist destination with visible security
MRT stations - Transit police conduct random checks
Hotels - Many hotels have policies against vaping and may report guests

Enforcement Methods

Singapore uses multiple approaches to detect vaping:

X-ray screening at all entry points
Random bag checks in public areas
Undercover officers in tourist districts
Public reporting - Singapore encourages citizens to report violations
Online monitoring - Authorities track social media for vaping content posted in Singapore

Recent Enforcement Actions

Singapore regularly publicizes enforcement actions as a deterrent:

From January 2024 to March 2025, over 17,900 people were caught for possession and use of e-vaporisers
HSA seized more than $41 million worth of e-vaporisers and components during that period
Multiple tourists received fines exceeding S$2,000

What Should Travelers Do About Vaping in Singapore?

If you're a vaper planning to visit Singapore, your only safe option is to leave all vaping products at home.

Before Your Trip to Singapore

Leave everything behind - Don't bring your vape device, pods, e-liquids, or any accessories. Even an empty device is illegal.
Start nicotine alternatives early - Begin using patches or gum 1-2 weeks before your trip so your body adjusts.
Clear your bags thoroughly - Check all pockets, compartments, and carry-on bags for forgotten vape items.
Don't transit with vapes - If connecting through Changi Airport, you still can't possess vape products in Singapore territory.

Where to Buy Nicotine Alternatives in Singapore

Legal nicotine replacement products are available at:

Guardian Pharmacy - Island-wide locations
Watsons - Major shopping centers
Unity Pharmacy - NTUC FairPrice stores
Hospital pharmacies - For prescription options

Products available: Nicotine patches (Nicorette, Habitrol), nicotine gum, and lozenges.

What to Do If Caught

If you're caught with vaping products in Singapore:

Do not argue or resist - Compliance typically results in fines rather than arrest
Accept confiscation - You will not get your device back
Pay fines promptly - Delays can lead to prosecution
Seek legal counsel - For serious charges, contact your embassy and hire a lawyer
Do not attempt to bribe - Bribery is a serious offense in Singapore

Why Did Singapore Ban Vaping?

Singapore's vaping ban reflects several policy positions:

1. Public Health Approach

The Ministry of Health views e-cigarettes as a new vector for nicotine addiction, particularly among youth. Singapore rejects harm reduction arguments, preferring complete tobacco and vaping elimination.

2. Precautionary Principle

Without long-term safety data, Singapore opted for prohibition rather than regulation. The government cites concerns about unknown health effects.

3. Gateway Concerns

Officials argue that vaping could lead non-smokers, especially young people, to nicotine addiction and potentially traditional smoking.

4. Regulatory Simplicity

A complete ban is easier to enforce than complex regulations with age restrictions, product standards, and zoning rules.

5. Clean Image

Singapore maintains strict standards for public behavior, and vaping is seen as inconsistent with the city-state's image.

Will Singapore Legalize Vaping? 2026 Outlook

Highly unlikely. Singapore has shown no indication of softening its vaping ban:

The government has repeatedly reaffirmed its position on e-cigarettes
No legislative proposals to legalize vaping exist
Health Ministry continues to cite vaping as a public health threat
Enforcement resources continue to increase

Singapore is more likely to strengthen its anti-vaping laws than relax them. The country has consistently prioritized public health restrictions over individual choice.

Bottom line: Do not expect Singapore to legalize vaping in the foreseeable future.

Singapore Vaping Laws vs. Other Asian Countries

Planning to visit multiple countries? Here's how Singapore compares:

Country	Vaping Status	Penalties	Notes
Singapore	Banned	S$2,000-$50,000 fines, jail time	Strictest enforcement
Thailand	Banned	Up to 10 years prison	Active tourist enforcement
Vietnam	Banned (2025)	3-5M VND fines	New ban, enforcement building
Japan	Restricted	N/A	Nicotine e-liquid banned, IQOS legal
Malaysia	Restricted	RM5,000 fines	Complex regulations, varies by state
Indonesia	Legal	N/A	Regulated, 21+ age limit
Cambodia	Banned (lenient)	Confiscation only	Minimal enforcement
Philippines	Legal	N/A	Regulated, 21+
South Korea	Legal	N/A	Regulated, heavily taxed
Hong Kong	Banned	HK$50,000 fine, 6 months jail	Strict enforcement

If you want to vape during an Asia trip, plan your itinerary around vape-friendly countries like Indonesia, Philippines, or South Korea.

Vaping in Singapore: Key Takeaways

Vaping is completely illegal in Singapore - no exceptions for tourists or personal use
Penalties are severe - fines up to S$10,000 and potential imprisonment
Enforcement is rigorous - Changi Airport customs actively screens for vapes
Leave your vape at home - don't bring any devices, liquids, or accessories
Use legal alternatives - nicotine patches and gum are available at pharmacies
Don't try to hide it - X-ray machines and trained officers will likely find it
No legalization coming - Singapore is committed to its vaping ban
Transit counts - even changing planes at Changi with a vape is illegal

References

Have questions about vaping laws in other destinations? Check our vaping laws guides for more countries.