Cigarettes, vapes and IQOS in Vietnam: what you can bring and where you can smoke
You can bring ordinary cigarettes into Vietnam: 200 duty-free per adult. E-cigarettes, vapes and IQOS have been banned since 1 January 2025 — you can't import, sell or use them, and using one carries a fine of VND 3–5 million. Smoking indoors in hotels, cafés and transport isn't allowed.
You can bring ordinary cigarettes into Vietnam: an adult can carry 200 cigarettes, or 20 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco duty-free. E-cigarettes, vapes and heated tobacco devices (IQOS, glo) have been banned in Vietnam since 1 January 2025 — importing, selling, keeping and using them is prohibited. Since 15 May 2026, using an e-cigarette or IQOS carries a fine of VND 3–5 million and the device is destroyed. Leave the vape and IQOS at home.
| Item | Allowed? | Duty-free amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cigarettes | yes | 200, or 20 cigars, or 250 g tobacco (18+) |
| E-cigarettes, vapes, liquids | no, banned since 1 Jan 2025 | — |
| IQOS, glo and sticks | no, banned since 1 Jan 2025 | — |
| Spirits | yes | 1.5 L of 20% ABV or more (18+) |
| Wine, beer, weaker drinks | yes | 2 L under 20% or 3 L of beer |
Can you bring cigarettes into Vietnam?
Yes. Passengers aged 18 and over can bring 200 cigarettes, or 20 cigars, or 250 g of smoking tobacco duty-free under Government Decree 134/2016. Anything over that must be declared and taxed. Under-18s get no tobacco or alcohol allowance.
Can you bring a vape or e-cigarette to Vietnam?
No. National Assembly Resolution 173/2024/QH15 banned the production, sale, import, storage, transport and use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products from 1 January 2025. That includes disposable vapes and e-liquids. The law makes no exception for tourists, so bringing a vape "for personal use" is a risk: it can be confiscated, and using it can get you fined.
Can you bring IQOS or glo to Vietnam?
No. IQOS, glo and their sticks count as heated tobacco and are banned by the same Resolution 173/2024/QH15 from 1 January 2025. If you use IQOS, switch to ordinary cigarettes for the trip — you can bring 200 duty-free.
What is the fine for vaping in Vietnam?
Since 15 May 2026, under Government Decree 90/2026, using an e-cigarette or IQOS is fined VND 3–5 million. A café, bar or landlord who lets people use them on the premises faces VND 5–10 million. Fines of up to VND 5 million already applied from 31 December 2025.
Where can you smoke in Vietnam?
Under the Law on Prevention of Tobacco Harms (09/2012/QH13), smoking is banned in hospitals, schools and childcare, inside workplaces and public places, and on buses, taxis and planes. In hotels, bars, karaoke venues, stations and trains you may only smoke in a designated smoking room, if there is one. The law doesn't ban smoking on the street, the beach or a balcony, but many hotels ban it in rooms and on balconies under their own rules — ask at reception.
What about snus and nicotine pouches?
Vietnamese rules don't explicitly allow snus or nicotine pouches. It's simpler not to bring them: at customs, the decision is the inspector's.
And cannabis?
Cannabis is completely illegal in Vietnam: possession and cultivation are criminal offences, and foreigners do get prison sentences.
Before you fly, check the arrival form and customs declaration in Vietnam arrival card (PAI); for the way home, see what to bring back from Vietnam; staying long — wintering in Vietnam.
FAQ
Can I bring cigarettes to Vietnam? Yes, 200 duty-free per adult aged 18+.
Are vapes legal in Vietnam? No, import and use have been banned since 1 January 2025.
Can I bring IQOS to Vietnam? No, IQOS and glo are banned just like vapes.
What is the fine for vaping in Vietnam? VND 3–5 million for use, and the device is destroyed (Decree 90/2026).
How much alcohol can I bring into Vietnam? 1.5 L of spirits (20%+), or 2 L of weaker alcohol, or 3 L of beer — aged 18+.