VietnamCan You Vape in Vietnam? The Short Answer
No, vaping is now illegal in Vietnam. This is a major change from the country's previous unregulated status:
- Complete ban effective January 1, 2025
- Resolution 173/2024/QH15 passed November 30, 2024
- All aspects prohibited - production, sale, import, storage, transport, and use
- User fines - 3-5 million VND ($115-$190 USD)
- Seller penalties - Up to 3 billion VND or 15 years imprisonment
Vietnam was previously a vape-friendly destination with a thriving market. Tourists and locals could easily purchase vapes in major cities. That era has ended.
Is Vaping Legal in Vietnam? Understanding the 2025 Ban
The Legal Framework
Vietnam's vaping ban was implemented through multiple legislative actions:
| Legislation | Date | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution 173/2024/QH15 | November 30, 2024 | Banned production, sale, import, storage, transport, use |
| Decree 371 | December 31, 2025 | Specific fines and penalties |
| Amended Law on Investment | March 1, 2026 | Officially prohibits vape business activities |
What's Specifically Banned
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices
- E-liquids with or without nicotine
- Heat-not-burn devices (IQOS, glo, etc.)
- Vape components and accessories
- Online sales and advertising
Why Vietnam Changed Course
The Vietnamese government cited several reasons:
- Youth usage statistics - 82% of Vietnamese vapers are aged 15-35
- Health concerns - Unknown long-term effects
- Gateway fears - Concern vaping leads to smoking
- Regulatory challenges - Easier to ban than regulate
What Are the Penalties for Vaping in Vietnam?
Penalties Under Decree 371
| Offense | Fine (VND) | Fine (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Using e-cigarettes | 3-5 million | $115-$190 |
| Venue owner allowing use | 5-10 million | $190-$380 |
| Small-scale selling | 30-50 million | $1,150-$1,900 |
| Large-scale selling/importing | Up to 3 billion | Up to $117,700 |
| Organized trafficking | Criminal prosecution | Up to 15 years prison |
Criminal Penalties
Under Vietnam's Penal Code (Articles 190 & 191), serious violations can result in:
- 2-7 years imprisonment for counterfeit goods
- 7-15 years imprisonment for large-scale operations
- Confiscation of all equipment and products
Enforcement at Borders
- Customs no longer processes e-cigarette imports (as of January 1, 2025)
- Tan Son Nhat (HCMC) and Noi Bai (Hanoi) airports have increased screening
- Tourist penalties - Up to 2 million VND (~$78 USD) for import attempts
- Device confiscation - You will not get your vape back
How Strictly Is Vietnam's Vaping Ban Enforced?
Enforcement is building as the ban is relatively new.
Current Enforcement Status
- Airports - Active screening for vapes in luggage
- Major cities - Increasing street-level enforcement
- Tourist areas - Variable enforcement, building over time
- Black market - Exists but illegal and risky
Where Enforcement Is Strongest
Ho Chi Minh City:
- District 1 (tourist center) - Visible enforcement
- Bui Vien Street (backpacker area) - Patrols present
- Ben Thanh Market area - Monitoring in place
Hanoi:
- Old Quarter - Tourist police presence
- Hoan Kiem Lake area - Public enforcement
- West Lake - Residential area monitoring
Da Nang:
- Beach areas - Enforcement beginning
- Han Market - Some monitoring
Hoi An:
- Ancient Town - Tourist area enforcement
- Beaches - Variable
Black Market Warning
Underground vape sales continue but carry serious risks:
- Legal consequences for buyers and sellers
- No product quality control - Dangerous counterfeits
- Vendor cooperation with police possible
- Not worth the risk - fines and confiscation likely
What Should Travelers Know About Vaping in Vietnam?
Before Your Trip
- Leave your vape at home - Don't risk customs confiscation and fines
- Start nicotine alternatives - Patches or gum before departing
- Research your specific destinations - Enforcement varies
- Check current news - Enforcement is evolving
At Vietnamese Airports
Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City - SGN):
- International terminal screens for vapes
- Customs officers trained to identify devices
- No smoking/vaping inside terminals
Noi Bai (Hanoi - HAN):
- Similar screening in place
- Enforcement at both arrival and departure
Da Nang (DAD):
- Smaller airport but enforcement present
- Tourist arrivals monitored
Finding Nicotine Alternatives
Legal options in Vietnam:
- Cigarettes - Widely available at any shop (Vinataba, international brands)
- Nicotine patches - Limited availability at pharmacies
- Pharmacity (chain pharmacy)
- Long Chau (pharmacy chain)
- Hospital pharmacies
- Nicotine gum - Some pharmacies carry it
Tip: Stock up on patches or gum before arriving, as availability can be inconsistent.
What To Do If Caught
- Stay calm and cooperative - Arguing makes things worse
- Accept confiscation - You won't get the device back
- Pay fines promptly - Delays can escalate issues
- Don't try to bribe - Corruption crackdowns are ongoing
- Contact your embassy - If facing serious charges
Why Did Vietnam Ban Vaping?
Government Reasoning
- Youth Protection - Ministry of Health data showed rapid youth adoption
- Public Health - Cited concerns about unknown long-term effects
- Tobacco Industry - Vinataba (state tobacco company) may benefit
- Regional Trend - Following Thailand's strict approach
The Timeline of Change
- Pre-2020: Unregulated market, vapes freely sold
- 2020-2023: Increasing government concern, regulatory discussions
- 2024: National Assembly debates and passes Resolution 173
- January 2025: Ban takes effect
Industry Impact
The ban eliminated a growing market:
- Hundreds of vape shops closed
- Online retailers ceased operations
- Import businesses shut down
- Estimated 1+ million vapers affected
Will Vietnam Legalize Vaping? 2026 Outlook
Highly unlikely in the near term. The ban is recent and the government shows no signs of reversing course:
- Resolution 173 passed with strong majority
- Ministry of Health continues anti-vaping messaging
- Criminal penalties signal serious commitment
- No political movement for legalization
Bottom line: Plan your Vietnam trip assuming the ban is permanent.
Vietnam Vaping Laws vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | Vaping Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | Banned (2025) | New ban, enforcement building |
| Thailand | Banned | Strict enforcement, 10 years prison possible |
| Cambodia | Banned (lenient) | Officially banned, minimal enforcement |
| Laos | Legal | Minimal regulation |
| Malaysia | Restricted | Complex regulations under Act 852 |
| Indonesia | Legal | Regulated, 21+ age limit |
| Philippines | Legal | Regulated, 21+ |
| Singapore | Banned | Strictest enforcement in region |
If vaping during your Southeast Asia trip is important, consider Indonesia, Laos, or Philippines instead of Vietnam.
Vaping in Vietnam: Key Takeaways
- Vaping is now illegal - Ban effective January 1, 2025
- Complete prohibition - Import, sale, and use all banned
- User fines - 3-5 million VND ($115-$190 USD)
- Seller penalties - Up to 15 years imprisonment
- Leave your vape at home - Customs actively screens
- Major change from before - Vietnam was previously vape-friendly
- Black market exists but is risky - Not recommended
- Use legal alternatives - Cigarettes, patches, gum available
- Enforcement is building - Expect increasing strictness
- No legalization expected - Plan accordingly
References
- Health Ministry Seeks Feedback on 2025 E-Cigarette Ban – VietnamPlus
- WHO Welcomes National Assembly's Stance on Banned E-Cigarettes – WHO Vietnam
- Vietnam E-Cigarette Main Policies – Tobacco Control Laws
- Vietnam to Ban E-Cigarettes by 2025 – Vietnam News
Have questions about vaping laws in other destinations? Check our vaping laws guides for more countries.