The Maldives has introduced a generational smoking ban covering anyone born on or after 1 January 2007, with the rule applying to visitors as well as residents.

For hotel operators, the move makes the archipelago the first country to implement a nationwide, birth-year tobacco ban, following a separate, existing ban on electronic cigarettes.

Scope of the smoking ban in the Maldives

Under the law, individuals in the restricted generation may not purchase or use tobacco in the Maldives; retailers must verify age before any sale.

Officials describe the measure as a step toward a tobacco-free generation.

Penalties include fines for retailers who sell to underage customers and for users of vape devices, reflecting wider enforcement across the islands.

Implications for hotels, resorts and on-property retail

The smoking ban applies across the country, including resort islands. While resorts operate under tourism regulations, they remain bound by national law, meaning staff cannot sell or provide tobacco to guests in the restricted generation.

Hotels on local islands typically enforce tighter smoking rules, often limiting smoking to designated outdoor zones.

Operators should review guest communications, signage, and staff training to ensure age checks at outlets and clarity on where smoking is permitted for older guests.

Vaping ban and import limits that affect guests

A separate policy already bans the import, sale, possession and use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices for all ages. Travellers who arrive with a device can have it held by customs until departure.

Tourists may import only limited quantities of traditional tobacco (for example up to 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco), with excess typically confiscated and retained for a set period before departure.

These rules sit alongside the new smoking ban and will shape pre-arrival advice and on-property briefings.

Tourism outlook and operational takeaways for the trade

Authorities say the policy is aimed at protecting public health rather than discouraging travel.

For now, there is no clear evidence of an impact on bookings, and hotels continue to host guests who are not part of the restricted generation in designated smoking areas where permitted.

For the trade, the priority is practical compliance: update pre-arrival emails, booking confirmations and in-room information; brief retail and F&B staff on ID checks; and map or reassess any designated smoking zones to align with local guidance on resort islands versus local islands.