Is Vaping Legal in Cambodia in 2026? Laws, What Happens If You Bring a Vape and Cambodia Travel Advice

Is Vaping Legal in Cambodia – The Short Answer

So, if you’re here, you’re probably planning a trip to Cambodia and wondering: “Is vaping legal in Cambodia?” The short answer is no. Vaping, e-cigarettes, and all related devices are illegal in Cambodia, and that includes bringing them into the country. This isn’t a legal grey area or something that’s “kind of okay” it’s a legal ban that travellers should probably take more seriously. Whilst enforcement of a law is a different beast entirely, it’s important to know the ins and outs before doing something that could potentially put a downer on your travels.

In the article below, I’ll break down the current laws, what happens if you bring a vape, how enforcement works, and related rules about shisha/hookah. As always, MoreThanTemples is here to answer your travel questions for Cambodia in 2026!

When and Why Cambodia Banned Vaping

Officially, Cambodia decided to ban the import, sale, and use of vaping devices because officials see them as health risks and addictive products, especially for young people. While many countries treat vaping differently from cigarettes, Cambodia treats vapes the same (actually, worse) as illegal tobacco products, which means zero tolerance for e-cigarettes and accessories.

The law was originally enacted in 2014 as part of public health efforts. Even though traditional cigarettes are legal (with age limits like in most countries), vapes were singled out and prohibited. There hasn’t been an official reversal, and as of 2026 the ban is still in force. Several times in the years since the initial ban, the Cambodian government has reiterated that Vapes are illegal in Cambodia.

Is It Illegal to Bring a Vape Into Cambodia?

Yes. You should not bring a vape device, cartridges, pods, or spare batteries to Cambodia – even if it’s unused, in carry-on luggage, or intended to be a gift.

– Customs can confiscate vapes at entry – there’s no exemption for personal use.

– You could face fines or other penalties if you try to import them knowingly.

So if your goal is a smooth trip with zero hassle at the airport or border, the safest option is don’t pack a vape at all. Whilst it’s very unlikely you’d have your luggage searched upon arrival in Cambodia, we don’t think it’s worth the risk when it comes to breaking the law in foreign countries. There’s more to lose than there is to gain.

What Happens at the Airport & Border Controls

When you land in Cambodia (e.g., Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville), customs officers may check your luggage. If they spot a vape or related items like e-cigarettes, vape mods, disposable vapes or e-liquid bottles, they’ll usually just be confiscated. However, there have been reports of further inconveniences, and they would be well within their rights to detain and fine you.

Most importantly, this is enforcement of Cambodian law, not individual airline policy or customs agents trying to hassle you. The airline might let you board with a vape, but Cambodia’s customs law overrides that the moment you enter.

Are Snus / Nicotine Pouches Legal in Cambodia?

As it stands, nicotine pouches like Zyn or Velo are legal in Cambodia. Snus is also legal in Cambodia at the moment, along with other loose (non-heated) tobacco products. That being said, they aren’t particularly popular in Cambodia yet and they can be difficult to find. Some supermarkets have begun stocking them though, and in Siem Reap you can purchase Zyn products at both Big C Supermarket and Asia Market.

Penalties & Risks You Should Know

The exact penalties for vaping or bringing a vape to Cambodia can vary, and enforcement isn’t always uniform in every scenario, but here’s what travellers could face if they’re caught with a vape:

1. Confiscation

This is the most common outcome – officers take the device and ‘dispose’ of it.

2. Fines

Some travellers to Cambodia have reported fines or warnings if customs decide the situation warrants it, especially if multiple devices or large amounts of vaping liquid are found.

3. Delays

If customs opens an inquiry or questions you, it can delay your entry process.

4. Possible Legal Action

In more serious cases, especially if customs thinks there’s intent to sell or distribute, you could be subject to more serious legal consequences under Cambodia’s import laws. This likely wouldn’t happen unless you (for some reason!) decided to bring like 200 vapes along with you for your 2 week travels in Cambodia.

The safest travel tip here is simple: don’t bring your vape with you to Cambodia!

What About Vape Batteries & Chargers?

You might think, “Okay, I’ll just leave the vape at home, but what about spare batteries or pods?” Unfortunately, customs tends to treat accessories for illegal products as part of the same prohibition.

So anything that is used exclusively for vaping devices is also risky to bring.

If you’re packing devices and chargers for other legal electronics (like a camera or laptop), those are fine of course – but anything specifically linked to a vape can be confiscated.

Shisha & Hookah in Cambodia – Also Illegal!

Here’s something a lot of travellers don’t realise: shisha (hookah) pipes and smoking accessories are also treated as illegal in Cambodia and were banned at the same time as vapes and e-cigarettes.

So if your idea was to bring a portable hookah for gatherings – don’t. It’s not worth the risk of ruining your trip.

This part of the law ties back into Cambodia’s overall stance on limiting certain smoking devices and products, not just vapes.

If Vaping is Illegal in Cambodia : What is Allowed?

✅ Traditional cigarettes are legal in Cambodia (with 18+ minimum purchase/use like many countries).

✅ Snus/Nicotine pouches are currently legal in Cambodia, though harder to find

❌ Vapes, e-cigarettes, shisha, and related devices are not legal

Is Vaping Legal in Cambodia : Tips for Travellers

Here’s how to make sure Reddit threads or travel blogs don’t accidentally get you into trouble:

✅ Leave your vape at home or dispose of it before travel

❌ Don’t try to hide it in your luggage – customs X-rays bags and can detect devices & batteries

The best travel tip is: don’t risk it – even if you see other travellers doing it. Laws can be enforced differently at different times, and border officials have the final say.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Q: “Can I buy vape products in Cambodia?”

A: Legally, no. Vaping products are illegal to sell or import, so legitimate shops don’t stock them. However, like every single other illegal product in the history of the universe, they can be found. This doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to buy them, and clampdowns or enforcement of the law can happen at any time.

Q: Will I get in trouble for vaping in Cambodia?

A: Enforcement of the vaping laws are hit and miss. If you’re just using a personal vape it’s incredibly unlikely you’ll have any issues and this is very uncommon. However, it is still illegal and should the police see you vaping and decide to enforce the laws, they would be well within their rights. In general, most police efforts are targeted towards sellers of vaping devices and clamping down on those illegal operations.

Q: Okay, so you’ve answered the question “Is Vaping Legal in Cambodia”. Now give it to me straight, can I vape in Cambodia?

A: Again, legally, no. However… Once you arrive in Cambodia, if you spend much time around nightlife areas, you will see plenty of people vaping. Public perception of vapes is that they’re generally tolerated. There are plenty of illegal sellers of vapes around, despite frequent police clampdowns which focus on large sellers of illegal vapes.

Q: “Is vaping legal in nearby countries?”

A: Laws vary widely in Southeast Asia but it’s worth noting that vaping is also illegal in Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. Most notably, news reports from Thailand often include unsuspecting tourists being fined for vaping in public areas.

Cambodia is an incredible country full of history, food, nature, and genuinely welcoming people – and your trip will be far more memorable for temples, beaches, and street markets than for anything nicotine related! Now that you know vaping is illegal in Cambodia, the best move is simple: leave your vape at home, travel stress free, and focus on enjoying everything this country does brilliantly.

For more great information or recommendations from our Siem Reap travel guide and for tips on Cambodia in general, don’t forget to follow our Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok accounts for regular fun and updates!
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