Maldives has just made history, but not for the reasons everyone thinks. It has just banned tobacco for those born on or after January 1, 2007. They will not be allowed to buy, use, or sell it anywhere in the country, and foreign minors will not be allowed to consume it either. No, you as a tourist can’t either!
This makes the archipelago the first country in the world to create and enforce a real generational ban on tobacco.
The measure has been promoted by President Mohamed Muizzu and aims to create smoke-free generations, as well as truly commit to public health.
A smoke-free future (literally)
This ban is part of the Second Amendment to the Tobacco Control Act (Act No. 15/2010), so if you were born in 2007 or later, you cannot access tobacco—simply cannot, and there are no exceptions.
This law covers traditional cigarettes, loose tobacco, and also electronic vapes. Regardless of age, if you are caught using one, the fine can reach 5,000 rufiyaa (around 320 dollars).
Nicotine addiction is a real problem, and more and more young people are smoking, so this is a drastic but necessary step to break the habit before it even starts.
And what about tourists?
The rule applies to them too, there are no exceptions. Those born in 2007 or later cannot smoke or carry tobacco products, even if it’s legal in their home country.
This may surprise many, especially considering that Maldives relies heavily on tourism, young visitors, and luxury, but the rules are what they are, and the government has made it clear that collective well-being comes before any toxic habit.
Adults, however, can still smoke, but with limits. It is allowed to bring into the country 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.
If you bring more, customs will confiscate it, and you can only retrieve it when you leave the country.
And other countries?
Maldives is the first to make it a reality, but other countries have passed similar laws, like New Zealand (in 2022, although it never came into effect) and the United Kingdom, which is already planning a similar law for those born after 2009.
The impact of tobacco
The WHO repeats it every year: tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable deaths in the world, with more than 8 million people dying each year due to its use.
In the United States, CDC figures are just as grim: 480,000 deaths annually related to tobacco, and in Canada, one in ten teenagers still smokes…
The real news is that we haven’t done more already to eradicate this practice and prevent so many deaths that happen everywhere.
A smoke-free paradise
Maldives is already known for having the most stunning beaches in the world, tranquility, luxury resorts… and now it will also be the first smoke-free paradise on the planet. They also want this measure to align with sustainable tourism and marine ecosystem protection, less tobacco means less waste and cleaner oceans (and no cigarette butts in the sand!).
A commitment to a future where young people do not grow up tied to nicotine and can breathe with clean lungs. Is it controversial? Of course. Brave? Also. But think about it, how many times have you been sitting in a bar and gone home smelling like smoke? Smoke that wasn’t even yours! Your lungs will thank you too. And now, in Maldives, you’ll be able to breathe the purest air in the Indian Ocean.