Maldives Bans Smoking In Public: Here's How It Affects Travellers

Smoking restrictions are tightening across the globe, but the Maldives has taken the boldest step yet. The island nation has introduced one of the world’s strictest anti-smoking laws, prohibiting the sale and use of tobacco for anyone born after January 1, 2007 — a policy aimed at cultivating a “smoke-free generation.” Travellers are being urged to take note, as the law also extends to visitors, complementing the Maldives’ existing limits on vaping and alcohol imports.

A Lifetime Ban On Smoking For A New Generation

Under the rule, anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, is permanently banned from buying, using or being sold cigarettes or any other tobacco products in the Maldives, according to the country’s Ministry of Health. This means that anyone aged 18 or younger today will never be able to legally smoke in the nation, even as they grow older. The sweeping measure applies to both residents and visitors across the Indian Ocean archipelago, which is home to nearly 1,200 small coral islands.

The ban came into force on Saturday, November 8, marking what officials describe as a historic moment in the country’s public health agenda. In a statement, the Ministry of Health said the move “makes the Maldives the first country in the world to enforce a nationwide generational tobacco ban,” underscoring its ambition to lead global tobacco control efforts.

Strict Enforcement And Heavy Penalties

Retailers must now check proof of age before selling any tobacco products, with those caught supplying underage customers facing penalties of up to 50,000 rufiyaa (about £2,000). The rule applies across all outlets — from local shops, eateries, and island resorts to airport duty-free stores — ensuring that no tobacco reaches those covered by the generational ban. In addition, the Maldives already enforces a complete prohibition on the import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, extending the country’s tough stance on tobacco and nicotine products to all age groups.

Public Spaces And Tourist Guidelines

If you are travelling to the Maldives and are a smoker, know that adults born before 2007 are still permitted to purchase cigarettes, but the act of smoking itself is tightly restricted. The ban covers most public spaces — from offices and restaurants to cafés, cinemas and public transport — reflecting the government’s wider push for cleaner, smoke-free environments. The same rules apply to visitors: anyone born after the 2007 cut-off cannot buy or use tobacco while in the Maldives. Travellers above that age limit may only smoke in private settings or in designated smoking zones provided at select resorts.

Global Moves Towards A “Smoke-Free Generation”

Several countries have considered “smoke-free generation” measures, though few have implemented them as comprehensively as the Maldives. In the UK, a bill progressing through Parliament proposes banning the sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2009, while also strengthening restrictions on the sale and marketing of cigarettes and vaping products. New Zealand became the first nation to pass such legislation in December 2022 under its Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan, aiming to reduce nicotine levels in cigarettes and cut the number of licensed tobacco retailers from 6,000 to just 600. However, the law was repealed in November 2023 by the newly elected National-led government before it could be implemented.

While a full generational ban is still rare, many countries have long prohibited smoking in public spaces, and the list continues to expand. Nations including Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Bhutan, France and Australia have enacted such restrictions. The exact locations covered vary, but typically include indoor public areas such as workplaces, restaurants and bars, and in some cases extend to outdoor spaces like parks, beaches and public transport stops.

The Environmental Cost Of Tobacco

Smoking and tobacco production inflict serious harm on the environment. The process releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, while manufacturing and burning tobacco emit toxic chemicals and carcinogens into the air. Deforestation is another major impact, with millions of trees felled to cure tobacco, causing soil degradation and habitat loss. Intensive farming also relies heavily on pesticides, fertilisers, water and energy, contaminating soil and waterways.

Discarded cigarette butts are the most common form of litter worldwide, making up 30–40% of collected waste. Chemicals from these butts — including nicotine, heavy metals and pesticides — leach into soil and water, posing a severe threat to aquatic life. E-cigarettes and other products further contribute to microplastic pollution, amplifying tobacco’s environmental footprint.

FAQs

Who does the Maldives smoking ban apply to?
The ban applies to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, including both Maldivian residents and international visitors.

Where is smoking prohibited?
Smoking is banned in most public spaces, including workplaces, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, public transport, and designated outdoor areas.

Can tourists under 18 buy or smoke tobacco?
No. Travellers born on or after the cut-off date are not permitted to purchase or use tobacco while in the Maldives.

Are there penalties for breaking the ban?
Yes. Retailers selling to underage individuals can face fines up to 50,000 rufiyaa (around £2,000), and confiscation of products may occur.

Does the ban cover e-cigarettes and vaping?
Yes. The import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned nationwide for all age groups.