Singapore Cracks Down On Vaping: Don’t Bring Your JUUL To The Jewel

Singapore has a reputation for being a strict country with a lot of laws. As an example, there’s not a country in the world with as many restrictions on chewing gum. Anyway, with the increasing popularity of vaping, it’s worth noting that the country is cracking down on that to a great extent, and it’s something that travelers, including those in transit, should be aware of (thanks to Konrad for flagging this)…

Singapore adds harsh fines & punishment for vaping

Singapore has technically banned vaping since 2018, and it’s one of only two countries to do so (with India being the other one). However, enforcement hasn’t necessarily been that strict… until now.

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As of September 1, 2025, Singapore will be stepping up punishment for those who are caught vaping, and this can impact visitors as well. The intent is to have stricter and more uniform regulations when it comes to tackling this, due to an increase in vaping in the country.

As Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister explains, “it’s not yet a problem that’s out of control, but we see it as an increasing problem and we don’t want to wait until it goes out of control, so we are moving in early.”

Foreigners caught with vapes will have their devices seized, and will be issued a fine on the spot. Those who are repeat offenders will be banned from the country. The punishment will be even stricter for those caught with etomidate vapes (Kpods), or those who test positive for the drug.

If you travel through Singapore Changi Airport, you’ll now hear announcements about laws against vaping, and there will be bins at the airport in both the arrivals and transit area, allowing those with vapes to dispose of them without punishment.

The rules even apply to transit passengers who aren’t entering the country, though Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister has made it clear that enforcement might not be quite as strong there:

“But if you are an abuser, and you are transiting through Singapore, and we notice… A question we’ll have to assess is, how much resources do we want to expend by arresting you, bringing you in(to) Singapore and then giving you rehabilitation? We’ll have to take a sensible approach on these things.”

Here’s what locals can expect in terms of punishment:

• On the first offense, those under 18 will be fined 500 SGD, while those 18 and above will be fined 700 SGD (that fine also applies to foreigners)
• On the second offense, those caught with vapes will need to attend rehabilitation for three months
• On the third offense, those caught with vapes will face prosecution and a fine of up to 2,000 SGD

Meanwhile for those found with etomidate vapes, the enforcement will be even stricter:

• On the first offense, those under 18 will be fined 500 SGD, while those 18 and above will be fined 700 SGD, in addition to up to six months of rehabilitation
• On the second offense, those caught with etomidate vapes will face mandatory supervision for six months, including drug testing
• On the third offense, those caught with etomidate vapes will face mandatory rehabilitation for 12 months

Those found supplying etomidate vapes will face much stricter punishment, including up to 20 years in jail, and up to 15 strokes of the cane.

Hey, this seems fair enough, by Singapore standards

For a country that has heavy restrictions on chewing gum, these regulations hardly seem out of line. If you want to be a society with as many rules as Singapore, it’s also important to actually enforce laws, or else it becomes a slippery slope.

Now, personally I of course think some of these punishments are a bit harsh, but who am I to judge another country’s laws? It’s not like Singapore is secretive about this, and as a society, Singapore runs pretty well. I do find it strange how Singapore allows smoking cigarettes in some capacity, while not allowing vaping, as that seems a little inconsistent. But then again, which country doesn’t have some inconsistent laws?

I think the biggest thing to keep in mind is that you could even be subject to these strict rules if simply transiting the airport. Then again, government officials are acknowledging that they’re not sure to what extent it’s worth going after those travelers.

Bottom line

While Singapore has banned vaping for years, the country will be stepping up enforcement of these laws as of September 1, 2025. Specifically, Singapore will be increasing fines and introducing additional punishment for repeat offenders. Etomidate vape dealers will also be facing jail time and caning.

What do you make of Singapore’s strict new enforcement of vaping laws?