When travelling to Southeast Asia, it is important to know the rules and regulations to avoid getting slapped with large fines on your doorstep. In Vietnam, there is currently a huge revolution in the field of public health and environmental protection. These new laws are local rules, which need to be addressed immediately by international travellers.
Vietnam has significantly strengthened its stance on tobacco use and alternative tobacco products. Recently, the administrative measures instituted for electronic cigarettes put visitors at risk of financial penalties. Where and how you can legally smoke is no longer a question of courtesy, it’s a question of law.
Understanding Vietnam’s National No Tobacco Policy
The campaign activities of public health campaigns have been officially strengthened in Vietnam, particularly during National No Tobacco Week. The Ministry of Health has given provincial authorities strict directives to enforce the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms nationwide. That is, local police are actively patrolling popular hotspots to catch violators.
Designated Smoke-Free Tourism Spaces
The national strategy is to develop the country’s hot spots into civilized green destinations. Inside rooms of hotels, restaurants, and cultural heritage buildings should be kept completely smoke-free.
Some tourist centers, such as Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, and the Old Quarter in Hanoi, have been able to put in place a strict “smoke-free tourism” policy to safeguard public health and the environment.
Some tourist centers have succeeded in implementing strict “smoke-free tourism” guidelines to protect public health and the local environment, for example, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Old Quarter in Hanoi.
Penalties for Traditional Smoking
Smoking in a non-smoking area (lobby, restaurant dining room, public transit area, etc.) of a traditional cigarette will incur an immediate on-the-spot fine. Smoking in the rooms of hotel guests is also heavily penalized if the warning signs are not clearly posted or if the guest is allowed to smoke in the room.
The Complete Ban on E-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco
The most important change for the modern traveler would be Vietnam’s outright ban on all “alternative” nicotine products. The ban on all e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) comes into effect in the country with the implementation of the newly issued Decree No. 371.
Heavy New Smoke-Free Tourism Fines
Anyone found using a vape or HTP in the country will be dealt with right away. Individuals will be fined from VND 3 million up to VND 5 million (roughly USD $114 – USD $190). Not only that, local police have the authority to take your electronic devices and destroy them on the spot.
Do not count on your hotel or local cafes to shield you. Under Decree 371, property owners or managers who allow guests to use e-cigarettes on their premises face fines up to VND 10 million ($380 USD), with organizations facing double that amount. Establishments are actively reporting violations to avoid these business-killing penalties.
Why the Crackdown is Happening Now
These comprehensive bans were enacted by the Vietnamese government after seeing a worrying rise in alternative tobacco consumption among young people. The health ministry data indicated that e-cigarette use caused hospitalizations to dangerous proportions.
Vietnam’s move to ban the products completely comes after a complete ban in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam. Vietnam has joined Singapore and Thailand in taking a hardline stance against these products by completely banning them, while the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam have also taken a stance.
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How Travelers Can Stay Compliant and Avoid Penalties
To ensure your vacation remains stress-free, follow these simple guidelines regarding nicotine consumption during your stay:
- No Vapes in Lockers: Do not pack e-cigarettes, vape pens or HTP devices in your luggage. Can be stopped before leaving the airport at customs.
- Look for Signage: Check for “No Smoking” or “Không Hút Thuốc” signs before lighting a traditional cigarette in any establishment.
- Use Designated Areas: Smoking will only be permitted in designated open and outdoor areas or designated, ventilated smoking rooms with fire safety systems.
- Respect Heritage Sites: Treat all ancient towns, temple grounds, and national parks as a 100% no-smoking environment.
FAQs
Can I buy e-cigarettes legally in Vietnam?
No. Under the amended Investment Law, Vietnam has completely prohibited the production, distribution, sale, and import of all e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. Any seller who is selling them is doing it illegally.
What happens if a tourist is caught vaping?
The tourist will be immediately fined VND 3 million – VND 5 million ($114 – $190 USD) by the administration as a tourist who is caught vaping. In addition, the device would be seized and destroyed by local authorities.
Is smoking traditional cigarettes allowed in hotels?
Smoking of traditional cigarettes is prohibited in all indoor hotel areas, such as lobbies, hallways, normal guest rooms, etc. Smoking is only allowed in smoking areas (outside) or in special smoking rooms (outside), which are clearly designated and provide adequate ventilation as required by local fire codes.
