The Maldives government has tightened customs regulations on the import of tobacco products, establishing a stricter framework for what travelers may bring into the islands. Under the new policy, every visitor is allowed to carry one pack of cigarettes, and this allowance applies per person. In addition, a duty-free limit is set at nineteen cigarettes or tobacco sticks per traveler. Items beyond these allowances will be confiscated by customs on arrival. Travelers who wish to recover confiscated items on departure can do so by submitting a declaration to the customs office before checking in for their flight. The purpose behind the measure is to simplify border control while ensuring that tobacco quantities remain manageable and traceable. Authorities say the changes are part of ongoing efforts to regulate tobacco use and curb health risks among residents and visitors. The rules apply to both foreigners and Maldivian residents, and enforcement is expected at all major entry points including Velana International Airport and seaports. This approach creates a clear, predictable framework for travelers: bring a limited amount, declare if needed, and retrieve items at the end of the stay through the formal process. By tying confiscated items to the departure declaration, the government seeks to avoid unnecessary penalties or complex storage arrangements.
The policy clarifies that tobacco items beyond the nineteen-unit allowance will not be permitted to enter the country. If a traveler brings more than the allowed amount, the excess tobacco products will be confiscated by customs upon arrival. The declaration option before departure provides a straightforward mechanism to reclaim any confiscated goods when leaving the islands. This policy is designed to deter illicit smuggling while keeping a tight rein on tobacco consumption in a popular tourist destination. For travelers, the practical implication is to plan purchases in advance, ration supplies, and be prepared to declare if any items appear to exceed the limit. Local authorities emphasize that the restriction covers all forms of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and sticks used in heated tobacco devices, and that enforcement is uniform across airports and ports. The result is a predictable, transparent system that reduces the risk of accidental violations while supporting public health objectives noted by the government.
In addition to import limits, the Maldives has raised import duties on cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and tobacco sticks by fifty percent plus an eight Maldivian rupees per unit. The increase makes tobacco products more expensive for visitors and residents alike, reflecting a policy choice to discourage smoking while maintaining revenue from border controls. For travelers planning a duty-free purchase, this means the price advantage of buying tobacco in transit markets shrinks, and it may influence decisions about how much to bring or purchase locally. The government argues that the higher duties contribute to public health goals and reduce the prevalence of smoking in public spaces. The duty structure applies to all imports at the point of entry, and customs officials will calculate the levy based on the per-unit quantity assessed at the border. While some travelers might adjust their plans accordingly, others may prefer to allocate budget toward experiences rather than tobacco products. This tax policy is part of a broader strategy to regulate consumer behavior while ensuring the state collects revenue from goods that pose health risks.
From November 15 electronic cigarette materials including devices, parts, liquids, and other components are banned at the border, tightening vaping controls in this tourism hub. That ban extends to items intended for use with electronic nicotine delivery systems and signals a clear stance against importing vaping components while visitors are in residence. For travelers who rely on vaping products, the restriction means they must either purchase before arrival or abstain during their stay. In the global trend toward stricter e-cigarette regulation, the Maldives has joined other destinations that limit what visitors may import, aiming to reduce vaping and nicotine use in public areas. It is essential for travelers to verify the latest rules before packing, as penalties for violations can include confiscation, fines, or additional administrative steps upon departure. The measure aligns with public health priorities while balancing the needs of tourists who visit for beaches, culture, and recreation.
International developments in electronic cigarette regulation show a similar tightening in other countries. For instance, Russia previously moved to consider banning a number of ingredients used in electronic cigarettes, reflecting a broader concern about vaping products. Although policies diverge by jurisdiction, the overall direction is toward tighter controls on vaping substances and their components. Travelers should stay informed about the rules in transit and destination countries, since regional restrictions can change swiftly. The Maldives’ approach to tobacco and vaping controls underscores the growing emphasis on public health and the regulatory tools governments use to shape consumer behavior. By combining import limits, duty increases, and a ban on electronic cigarette materials, the country communicates a clear stance on tobacco and vaping while preserving an entry framework for visitors. For anyone planning a trip to the islands, the key takeaway is simple: review current customs requirements, pack within the allowed limits, and comply with declarations to avoid delays or penalties at the border while traveling.