The No-Nonsense Generational Ban Tourists Should Know Before Visiting The Maldives

Imagine an entire generation growing up without even touching tobacco. As children go through life, their entire cohort abstains from cigarettes, cigars, and even vaping devices. They only ever see older people lighting up, or characters on TV or in movies. The very idea of smoking becomes antiquated, like tape decks and rotary phones. Their lungs and veins are forever clear of nicotine, and even exposure to second-hand smoke is a rarity. How blissful would that be? And how reassuring, to know these youths have a better chance of staying healthy and growing old.

In the Maldives, this dream might turn into a reality, thanks to a nationwide "generational ban" on the purchase and use of tobacco products. Facing lifetimes of health concerns and environmental damage, the health ministry on this Asian island chain has come up with a wildly original concept: Instead of outlawing tobacco products altogether, which would cause a stir among longtime smokers, the government of the Maldives has banned the sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2007.

This generation is also forbidden from using tobacco products, whether they're citizens or tourists. No matter how old they get, no matter what Maldivian youth decide to do in other countries, they will never be allowed to buy a pack of Marlboros at the corner store. If they're caught puffing, they could be fined the equivalent of $3,200. This is one of those strict laws in other countries that apply to tourists, too.

The Maldives may seem like a random place to test out this law, especially to folks who are hazy on what and where this place is. The Maldives are an independent nation of about 200 inhabited islands, which lie about 1,000 miles south of India. Most of its economy relies on fishing, but tourism is extremely important: The palm tree-covered coasts boast more than 1,000 resorts, and 1.8 million foreigners enjoyed a warm-weather vacation to these Indian Ocean islands in 2023. The Maldives are known for clear seas, white sand beaches, and a wide range of water sports; second-hand smoke and discarded cigarette butts don't mesh well with that image.

The Maldivian government has already banned vaping and electronic cigarettes, following a global trend for nicotine enthusiasts who try to bypass traditional smoking laws; indeed, don't even think about traveling to these other popular vacation destinations with a vape. For now, Maldivian residents and tourists born before the start of 2007 will still be able to purchase and enjoy tobacco products, and it's hard to say how this new law will be enforced. But anti-smoking advocates may find inspiration in the ban; the United Kingdom is currently considering a similar generation-based moratorium, and it's easy to imagine other countries following suit. Like it or not, more travelers may start breathing easier.