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Maldives, the coral island nation renowned as a world-class resort paradise in the Indian Ocean, has officially pioneered globally by beginning to enforce a historic ban on tobacco products based on generational criteria.
According to new regulations, starting in early November, the country officially banned smoking based on generation. This can be seen as a groundbreaking move, making Maldives the first country to implement a smoking ban based on birth dates.
With this decision, Maldives becomes the only country to implement a generational tobacco ban.
According to the new regulations, any individual, including international tourists, born on or after January 1, 2007, is strictly prohibited from buying, using, or selling any tobacco products throughout the entire territory. This means that if you belong to this generation, your holiday in the Maldives must be completely smoke-free.
This initiative was launched by President Mohamed Muizzu in early 2025 with the aim of "protecting public health and promoting a tobacco-free generation."
This initiative, launched by President Mohamed Muizzu at the beginning of 2025, has the lofty goal of "protecting public health and building a smoke-free generation." For the Maldives' high-end tourism industry – which accounts for more than 30% of the national GDP – this underscores a commitment to a clean and friendly resort environment. Retailers in resorts and on inhabited islands must strictly adhere to rigorous age verification requirements before all transactions.
This ban applies to all forms of tobacco products. Retailers will have to verify age before selling them.
An extremely important warning for all travelers, regardless of age: Maldives maintains a complete ban on e-cigarettes and related products. Importing, selling, possessing, or using e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited. This is something travelers should be particularly aware of to avoid unnecessary problems during their trip.
Selling tobacco products to minors is punishable by a fine of 50,000 rufiyaa, equivalent to $3,200 USD, while using vape devices carries a fine of 5,000 rufiyaa, equivalent to $320 USD.
Failure to comply with the new regulations will result in significant financial penalties. Tourists violating the ban on e-cigarette use could be fined up to 5,000 rufiyaa (approximately $320). Selling e-cigarettes to underage individuals under the new generation regulations could even result in fines of up to 50,000 rufiyaa (approximately $3,200).
Tourists should be aware of the new regulations when visiting this "tourist paradise".
Although some countries like the UK are considering a similar ban, and New Zealand once passed one but later repealed it, the Maldives is currently the only country in the world steadfastly enforcing this law.
Therefore, before setting foot in this tourist paradise, all visitors should thoroughly research the new regulations to ensure a smooth, law-abiding trip and avoid any unexpected problems.
