Singapore has significantly toughened its stance on vaping, introducing a new suite of harsh penalties for the use and even simple possession of electronic cigarettes. Effective from September 1st, the new rules apply to everyone in the country, including tourists, and can lead to substantial fines, revocation of long-term passes, and even expulsion and re-entry bans for repeat offenders.
Under the new framework, anyone caught using or merely possessing an e-cigarette is now subject to a fine of S$700 (approximately €330 or US$370). This represents a significant increase and a clear signal of the government’s zero-tolerance approach. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (France Diplomatie) has issued an alert, warning that “Foreign nationals found in possession of electronic cigarettes are exposed to heavy penalties ranging from a fine for the first offense to the revocation of work and residence permits followed by expulsion and a re-entry ban in case of repeated infractions.”
These strict measures apply universally, including to tourists who are simply transiting through Singapore’s airports. Authorities have warned that airport controls will be reinforced, and travelers are strongly advised not to enter Singapore with an e-cigarette or vaping device, either on their person or in their checked or carry-on luggage.
The penalties become even more severe if the e-liquid in a device contains etomidate, an anesthetic agent that has been found in some illicit vapes and is classified as a drug in the country. Using a vape containing such substances can lead to much more serious legal consequences under Singapore’s stringent drug laws.
This crackdown builds upon Singapore’s long-standing prohibition of e-cigarettes. The country has consistently maintained some of the world’s strictest anti-vaping laws, and these new penalties for possession and use are designed to further deter both residents and visitors from engaging in any vaping-related activities. The message is clear: Singapore is a vape-free zone, and the consequences for violating this are now more severe than ever.
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