United Arab Emirates
Last reviewed: 2026-06
Travelling to United Arab Emirates with snus or nicotine pouches? Snus is banned and nicotine pouches are legal. Cigarettes are legal for adults aged 18+. Personal import of snus is prohibited. This page covers the legal status of snus, nicotine pouches, cigarettes, vaping, and heated tobacco in United Arab Emirates as of 2026-06, with official sources where available.
Snus
BannedLegal basis: Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control
Oral tobacco products containing tobacco leaf — including snus, chewing tobacco, shamma and tumbak — are prohibited from import and sale in the UAE. Tobacco-containing snus remains banned even though tobacco-free nicotine pouches are permitted.
Nicotine Pouches
LegalMinimum age: 18+
Legal basis: Not covered by tobacco law (tobacco-free); UAE regulatory approval effective 29 July 2025
Tobacco-free nicotine pouches are legal in the UAE following regulatory approval. Sale and use are permitted with a minimum age of 18 and a nicotine cap of 16.6 mg per pouch. Use in public places is prohibited and health claims are banned.
Cigarettes
LegalMinimum age: 18+
Legal basis: Federal Law No. 15 of 2009 on Tobacco Control
Conventional cigarettes are legal and widely sold, subject to excise tax, health warnings and a minimum age of 18. Smoking is restricted in many public and indoor places.
Vape / E-cigarettes
LegalMinimum age: 18+
Legal basis: UAE.S 5030:2017 standard; ESMA regulation legalising vaping products (April 2019)
E-cigarettes and e-liquids are legal and regulated in the UAE since April 2019. Sale and purchase of devices and nicotine are permitted without prescription, with an 18+ age requirement and use restricted in places where smoking is banned.
Heated Tobacco (IQOS)
LegalMinimum age: 18+
Legal basis: Federal Law No. 15 of 2009; UAE excise tax framework
Heated tobacco products (e.g. IQOS) are permitted and regulated as tobacco products. Sale, purchase and use are legal subject to health warnings, an 18+ age limit, public-use restrictions and excise tax. No flavour ban.
Personal Import
Import and sale of tobacco-containing oral products prohibited; penalties apply.
Permitted within the 16.6 mg/pouch nicotine limit; verify quantity with customs.
Sources
- AGGGSTHR — Snus in United Arab EmiratesAccessed 2026-06
- AGG
- AGGGSTHR — Using pouches in United Arab EmiratesAccessed 2026-06
- AGGGSTHR — E-cigarette vaping in United Arab EmiratesAccessed 2026-06
- AGGGSTHR — Using HTP in United Arab EmiratesAccessed 2026-06
Disclaimer: The information on this site is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and regulations regarding snus, nicotine pouches, cigarettes, vaping and heated tobacco change frequently. Always verify the current legal status with official government sources before travelling. NicotineAtlas assumes no liability for actions taken based on information presented here.