The trend to restrict and ban smoking in public places is gaining momentum around the world, especially for tourists. This initiative is aimed at improving air quality, protecting public health, and creating a comfortable environment for everyone. Learn more about which countries are taking strict measures to avoid the negative impact of smoking

France is launching an active campaign against smoking in public places, and new laws provide for fines for tourists who violate these restrictions. The country is implementing a comprehensive anti-smoking plan that bans smoking on beaches and sets a timeline for extending the ban to other places, such as educational institutions, state forests, and green areas.

Common smoke-free zones have already been identified in cities, villages and forests. This will help create a smoke-free environment for citizens, with special attention paid to forest areas where there is a high risk of fire.

By the end of 2023, the plan envisages a smoke-free environment outside schools, and during the four-year period, it will place a strong emphasis on preventing tobacco addiction and improving public health. The new measures are aimed not only at reducing smoking, but also at creating a healthier living environment for everyone, including tourists.

Detailed details on the implementation and enforcement of the new bans have not yet been provided by the authorities. However, it is likely that fines will be imposed on those who violate these rules, thus ensuring the effective implementation of the anti-tobacco plan and preserving the health of citizens.

Smoking ban in public places in Mexico

Mexico has taken the lead in anti-tobacco measures by completely banning cigarette smoking in all public places, including hotels and beaches. The expansion of the smoking ban includes indoor and outdoor spaces such as hotels, resorts, parks and beaches, with special attention to places where children may congregate.

This has made Mexico one of the countries with the strictest anti-tobacco laws in the world. Now, tourists who smoke face a fine of $50 to $300 for violating the ban, as well as the possibility of administrative arrest for up to 36 hours.

Further tightening of the rules applies to e-cigarettes and vapes. Now they cannot be imported, sold or used in public places in Mexico. This is aimed at maintaining public health and creating a clean environment by increasing responsibility for compliance with anti-tobacco laws.

In which countries tourists are prohibited from smoking in public places

Smoking laws are becoming increasingly strict around the world, and Mexico is just one of many countries with strict restrictions. Ireland, Greece, Hungary, and Malta have also already established similar rules aimed at improving public health and protecting the environment.

In 2023, Costa Rica joined this list by introducing a smoking ban in all public places, including bars, restaurants, and bus stops. An important factor is that even if smoking in public places is legal, there are specific places where smoking can be fined.

Certain cities, such as Barcelona, have already banned smoking on beaches to prevent cigarette butts from polluting the environment. The French ski resort of Les Gets has also decided to introduce a smoking ban throughout the entire territory, in part due to concerns about the contamination of natural reserves with tobacco residues.

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Ban on smoking e-cigarettes in public places

In many countries around the world that already have strict smoking laws, vaping and the use of e-cigarettes are also subject to control and restrictions. In Colombia and Iran, vaping in public is completely illegal. In Turkey, the purchase of e-cigarettes is also prohibited. In Singapore, violations of the rules related to the use of e-cigarettes are subject to significant fines of up to $2,000 (€1,395).

In Australia, a prescription is required to obtain nicotine e-cigarettes, and violation of this rule can result in severe fines. Some states even provide for the possibility of imprisonment for importing e-liquids with nicotine. Argentina, Brazil, and Nepal have completely banned e-cigarettes and vapes, placing severe restrictions on their use.

In Qatar, vaping has been illegal since 2014, and violations of this law can result in heavy fines or three months in prison. Thailand also defines vaping as an illegal act, and tourists who violate this restriction can face up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 30,000 baht (836 euros).

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Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

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