Vapes and electronic cigarettes in Vietnam: The ban, fines, and what it means for tourists
Effective May 15, 2026, Decree No. 90/2026/NĐ-CP introduced specific fines for the use of e-cigarettes, IQOS, and vapes in Vietnam. The ban itself has been in effect since 2025, but it now has teeth: fines, mandatory confiscation, and destruction of devices.
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| Legal basis for the ban | National Assembly Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15 |
| Decree on fines | No. 90/2026/NĐ-CP, Art. 26 |
| Signed | March 30 2026 |
| Fines have come into force | 15 May 2026 |
| To whom it concerns | Everyone: citizens, foreigners, tourists, establishment owners |
What exactly is prohibited?
The ban covers the production, import, storage, transportation, sale, advertising and use of all forms of “new generation” tobacco products:
electronic cigarettes (vapes, pods, disposables)
tobacco heating devices (IQOS, glo and similar devices)
sticks (HeatStick, Fiit and similar)
vape liquids
electronic hookahs
Fines from May 15, 2026
According to Article 26 of Decree 90/2026/NĐ-CP:
| Violation | Штраф |
|---|---|
| Use of electronic cigarettes, IQOS, vapes | 3-5 million VND (~115-190 USD) |
| Permission to use on your premises (hotel, cafe, bar, apartments) | 5-10 million VND (~190-380 USD) |
| For organizations | up to 20 million VND (~760 USD) |
Additionally: mandatory confiscation and destruction of devices, liquids, sticks and cartridges.
The exception to the fine for allowing smoking on one's own property applies only between close relatives: spouse, parents, children, brothers, sisters, and grandparents.
What was before
Resolution No. 173/2024/QH15 banned vapes and e-cigarettes as products from 2025, but the specific fine mechanism was vague until Decree 90/2026. In practice, enforcement was inconsistent. Effective May 15, 2026, the situation changed: there is a clear regulation, a specific fine, and an obligation to destroy seized items.
How does this affect tourists and expats?
On the border
Importing vapes, IQOS, and e-liquids into Vietnam is prohibited. Customs reserves the right to confiscate any devices or sticks found. The phrase "for personal use" is not a valid argument: import is prohibited separately from use.
In the city
Use in public places, hotels, restaurants, or on the street is an administrative violation and will result in a fine and confiscation.
For homeowners and establishments
If you rent out apartments, manage a hotel, hostel, cafe, or bar and allow guests to use vapes or IQOS on your premises, you, not just the user, will be fined 5–10 million VND.
About "bringing it for yourself"
Technically, importation is completely prohibited, regardless of quantity or purpose. Even if a device is successfully smuggled through customs, further use remains a violation and can result in a fine and confiscation right on the street or at a hotel.
What is reasonable to do?
For tourists and travelers who vape or use IQOS:
Do not bring devices, liquids, or sticks to Vietnam
Don't expect that controls are weaker in resort areas or on Fukuoka—the ban applies nationwide.
Remember that "it worked once" doesn't mean there's no risk: law enforcement has become noticeably more active since May 15, 2026.
The material is based on Decree No. 90/2026/NĐ-CP (Article 26), which entered into force on May 15, 2026, and official publications baochinhphu.vn , luatvietnam.vn and thesaigontimes.vn.
