No, vaping indoors in Vietnam is prohibited under the 2022 Tobacco Harm Prevention Law, which treats e-cigarettes as tobacco products. The Ministry of Health’s 2023 circular enforces a nationwide indoor ban, including bars, offices, and public transport. Violations incur fines up to 1 million VND ($42) under Decree 117/2020/ND-CP.
Key Regulations for Vaping Indoors in Vietnam
- Public Indoor Spaces: The 2022 Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms (Article 11) explicitly bans vaping in enclosed workplaces, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. Exemptions apply only to designated outdoor smoking areas.
- Hospitality Sector: Circular 12/2023/TT-BYT extends the ban to restaurants, cafes, and hotels, classifying vaping as equivalent to smoking. Non-compliance risks closure under Ministry of Health inspections.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Provincial authorities (e.g., Hanoi’s Department of Health) conduct quarterly compliance checks, with fines escalating for repeat offenders. The 2026 draft amendment proposes stricter penalties, including temporary business suspensions.