Travelers to Vietnam, Thailand and other countries could face criminal penalties for merely possessing electronic cigarettes, prompting calls for caution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Tuesday that some countries, including Vietnam and Thailand, strictly regulate the import and use of e-cigarettes, urging travelers to check country-specific import rules before going abroad.
According to the ministry, Korean travelers have recently been caught bringing, using or possessing e-cigarettes in countries with strict regulations, leading to arrests and fines under local laws.
About 40 countries, including Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, India, Australia, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Laos, criminalize not only the manufacture, sale and distribution of e-cigarettes but also their import and use.
In particular, concealing possession of e-cigarettes or making false statements during airport baggage inspections could result in smuggling charges. Travelers must also be cautious when transiting. Passing through countries where e-cigarettes are banned could create problems during security screening or baggage re-checking.
The ministry urged travelers to check the latest regulations through the websites of Korean diplomatic missions in the relevant countries before departure, as country-specific regulations may change frequently.
Hong Kong: 570,000 Won Fine for Mere Possession
The number of countries tightening e-cigarette regulations is growing. Hong Kong recently imposed a full ban on the possession of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products in public places. Under Hong Kong's new regulations, anyone caught possessing e-cigarettes or heated tobacco products in public places will face a fine of 3,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 570,000 won).
Vietnam bans use outright, imposing fines and immediately confiscating and destroying products when violations are detected. Brunei has fully banned such products since 2005. Thailand also completely prohibits the import, sale and use of e-cigarettes, making even simple possession subject to punishment. Laos and Cambodia are enforcing similar bans and have recently expanded the scope of regulations to include advertising, storage and production.
