Are vapes and e-cigarettes banned in Vietnam, and what are the fines for tourists?

Vietnam's National Assembly unanimously passed resolution 173/2024/QH15, banning the production, trade, import, storage, transport and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco starting 2025; the government was tasked with enforcement and youth awareness campaigns.

The law has been in effect since January 1, 2025: import, sale, possession, transport and use of vapes, IQOS, refill sticks and hookahs are banned nationwide in Vietnam — there's no exception for tourists.

Being caught with or using a vape can result in a fine of 3–5 million VND (roughly $120–200), and the device is confiscated and destroyed.

Allowing someone else to vape in your home, a bar, café or rented apartment is a separate offense carrying a fine of 5–10 million VND (about $200–400), which applies to property/venue owners as well.

At Vietnamese border control (including Da Nang airport), customs officers typically confiscate vapes, IQOS devices and refill sticks right at entry, before any fine is even issued.

The ban has been in force for over six months and is regularly re-shared in expat groups — authorities continue checks in Da Nang bars and cafés, so travelers shouldn't assume it isn't actually enforced.