No Vaping in Singapore: What Travelers Need to Know

Singapore is known worldwide for being clean, safe, and orderly. Its strict laws play a big role in maintaining that reputation, and one rule travelers should be aware of is that vaping is Illegal in Singapore. Knowing the details before you fly will help you avoid problems and enjoy your trip without worry.

Vaping is Completely Illegal

Singapore has banned e-cigarettes and vaporisers since 2018 under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. The law does not just restrict vaping in certain areas, it prohibits the import, sale, purchase, use, and possession of all related products. This includes:

• E-cigarettes, vape pens, and vaporisers of every design

• E-liquids, whether they contain nicotine or not

• Cartridges, pods, refills, and other accessories

Even carrying one for personal use is considered illegal importation. Travelers often assume they can use their vape discreetly or carry it through customs for later, but in Singapore there is no such allowance. Bringing a device in your hand-carry or checked baggage can result in fines the moment it is discovered.

Enforcement is Serious

The ban is not symbolic, it is actively enforced through a whole-of-government effort.

• At Changi Airport, immigration and customs officers conduct strict bag checks. Travelers will see bright red amnesty bins where prohibited items such as vapes can be discarded before clearing customs without penalty. If you fail to use these and are caught, the item will be seized and you will be fined immediately.

• In public spaces, officers conduct patrols on buses, MRT trains, interchanges, and parks. Even bus captains and transport staff are trained to report offenders.

• Schools and the military have their own enforcement measures. Students can face suspension or disciplinary action, while servicemembers are subject to random bag checks and urine tests for vape-related substances.

This widespread enforcement makes it clear: there is no safe or hidden place to vape in Singapore.

What Happens if You Are Caught?

The penalties are among the toughest in the world.

• First offense: Adults caught with a vape are fined S$700 (youths under 18 pay S$500). Devices are confiscated immediately.

• Repeat offenses: Offenders may be placed in mandatory rehabilitation programs lasting up to three months. Continued violations can lead to court fines of up to S$2,000.

• Tourists who re-offend: Immigration authorities may ban repeat offenders from returning to Singapore in the future.

• Drug-laced vapes: If a vape is found to contain controlled substances such as etomidate, it is treated as a drug offense. This can involve detention, rehabilitation in secure centers, or even prosecution under narcotics laws.

For visitors, even a first-time mistake is expensive and stressful enough to spoil an entire trip.

Why Singapore Takes a Hard Line

The government considers vaping both a health risk and a social threat. Officials warn that illegal vapes sold in the region are sometimes laced with harmful chemicals that can cause lasting damage. In some cases, these “k-pods” have been linked to accidents and even deaths.

 

Beyond this, Singapore is determined to prevent vaping from becoming a youth trend. Authorities describe e-cigarettes as a gateway to nicotine addiction. By banning them outright, the country aims to close the door on what it sees as a growing global problem. This is why multiple agencies, from the Ministry of Health to the police, schools, and military, are working together to enforce the ban.

What Travelers Should Do

The advice for travelers is simple but important: do not bring a vape to Singapore, and do not use one while you are here.

• Before departure: Double-check all your bags to ensure you have not packed any devices, pods, or refills.

• On arrival: If you realize you still have one, use the airport amnesty bins to dispose of it before immigration.

• During your stay: Do not attempt to vape in private spaces such as hotel rooms or restrooms. There are no legal places to use them.

• For nicotine needs: Consider nicotine gum or patches, which are allowed, or smoke traditional cigarettes only in designated smoking areas.

• With travel companions: Remind friends and family traveling with you about the rule so that no one unintentionally causes delays or fines at customs.

At Tour East, we care about giving you the knowledge that makes your journey smooth and enjoyable. We share updates like this because we want you to feel prepared, confident, and free to discover the best of Asia. We Connect You in Asia.