A tourist who vaped inside Velana International Airport (VIA) was let off on Sunday without being fined.

Police said the man was released without a fine after being cautioned based on the circumstances.

"He was a departure tourist at Velana International Airport. After considering the circumstance, he was cautioned and let off without a fine," police said.

But police said tourists will also be fined under the Tobacco Control Act if they use vape within Maldives' territory.

Nine people have been fined a total of MVR 50,000 since the vaping ban came into effect on December 15. Eight of them were fined MVR 5000 each while one person was fined MVR 10,000 for using an e-cigarette while on a motorcycle.

Fines for vaping-related violations will be communicated via SMS to the individual’s mobile phone. The SMS will include a link to pay the fine through the Vaaru Pay platform.

Under the amended Tobacco Control Act, providing a vape to someone results in a fine of MVR 10,000 while using a vape incurs a fine of MVR 5,000.

Selling vapes is fined MVR 20,000, with an additional MVR 10,000 for each unit sold.

Importing vaping devices or related products attracts a fine of MVR 50,000, plus MVR 10,000 per device.

However, police have previously said that the vaping devices will not be seized despite imposing fines.