Maldives introduces generational smoking ban, including tourists — all you need to know

The Maldives is making waves with a new law banning smoking for younger generations — aiming for a future of clean air and tobacco-free beaches.

The Maldives, famed for its turquoise lagoons and overwater villas, has made global headlines — not for its beaches this time, but for a bold public health move. The island nation has officially become the first country in the world to introduce a generational smoking ban, prohibiting anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, from ever smoking, purchasing, or using tobacco products.

The landmark decision, which took effect on November 1, 2025, marks a historic milestone in the Maldives’ mission to create what it calls a “tobacco-free generation.” The Ministry of Health confirmed that the ban applies to all forms of tobacco, with retailers now legally required to verify the age of buyers before any sale.

What the Ban Means for Travellers

If you’re planning a Maldivian getaway, here’s the key takeaway — the rule applies to tourists as well. That means if you’re under 18 and were born in or after 2007, you cannot smoke or buy cigarettes while vacationing in the Maldives. Retailers may ask for ID proof even from adults, so it’s best to keep identification handy if you plan to purchase tobacco products.

Authorities have assured that the move won’t affect tourism. “People don’t come to the Maldives because they can smoke,” said Ahmed Afaal, deputy chairman of the country’s tobacco control authority. “They come for the beaches, the sea, the sun — and the fresh air.”

Part of a Larger Health Push

This isn’t the Maldives’ first step toward curbing tobacco use. The nation had already banned the import, sale, and use of vapes and electronic cigarettes last year — regardless of age. With tobacco use affecting nearly 25 per cent of the Maldivian population over 15, the new law strengthens efforts to reduce health risks associated with smoking.

Globally, the Maldives now leads where others have paused. New Zealand had once proposed a similar ban for those born after 2009 but repealed it in 2023. The United Kingdom is currently considering a comparable policy under parliamentary review.

Why It Matters

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use kills nearly 7 million people annually, making it one of the gravest public health threats worldwide. By implementing this generational ban, the Maldives sets a precedent that could inspire other nations to follow suit.

So, while you relax under the palm trees or snorkel through coral reefs, one thing is certain — in the Maldives, the only thing you’ll be breathing in is that famously crisp ocean air.