Smoking and snus in Norway are legal from age 18, but strictly regulated. There is a smoking ban indoors at public places, restaurants and workplaces. Tobacco is expensive, and you can get free help to quit through the Slutta app and your GP.
Smoking and snus in Norway: what the law says
Smoking and snus in Norway are governed by the Tobacco Damage Act. This is the law that protects people against the harms of tobacco. The Norwegian Directorate of Health is the government agency that administers the law and provides health advice.
The purpose of these rules is not to punish you. The purpose is to protect your health and others. Tobacco is one of the biggest causes of illness and early death in Norway. You can read more about public health and causes of death in a separate article.
You are allowed to use tobacco if you are an adult. But you also have a right to smoke-free air where you live, work and go. This is the balance the law tries to find.
The rules have worked. Thirty years ago, more than a third of adults in Norway smoked every day. Today, fewer than 1 in 10 adults smoke daily. Many use snus instead, especially young men. Snus is legal, but it is not a safe choice.
How old do you have to be to buy tobacco?
You must be 18 years old to buy tobacco in Norway. The age limit applies to all tobacco products:
- cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco
- snus and chewing tobacco
- e-cigarettes (vape) and e-liquid
- equipment and imitation tobacco products
The shop can ask for identification. If they sell tobacco to someone under 18, they break the law. The same applies if you buy tobacco and give it to a minor.
The 18-year age limit is similar to the rules for alcohol. If you want to understand how Norway regulates alcohol, you can read about Vinmonopolet and alcohol regulations.
Where is it forbidden to smoke?
There is a smoking ban indoors everywhere the public has access. The ban is designed to protect others against secondhand smoke, that is, smoke from others. Children have a legal right to a smoke-free environment.
You cannot smoke or vape in these places:
- public buildings and places where people have access
- catering establishments such as cafes, restaurants and bars
- workplaces and meeting rooms
- buses, trains, trams and other means of transport
- outdoor entrance areas to public buildings and health institutions
- schools and kindergartens, both indoors and outdoors
You also cannot smoke in the car when there are children under 18 in it. In outdoor areas, such as sidewalks and parks, it is usually allowed to smoke. But be considerate to people around you.
Why is tobacco so expensive and the packages so plain?
Tobacco is expensive in Norway because the state puts a high tax on it. A high price is meant to prevent people from starting and help people quit. A pack of cigarettes or a tin of snus costs much more than in many other countries.
Since 2017, all tobacco must be sold in plain packaging. This means uniform, greenish-brown packages without logos or attractive designs, but with large picture warnings about health damage. The goal is to make the packages less appealing to young people.
In shops, there is also a display ban. Tobacco should not be visible. That is why you often see only a closed drawer or a cabinet at the checkout. Advertising for tobacco is prohibited in Norway.
Is snus and e-cigarettes legal in Norway?
Snus is legal to buy and use in Norway from age 18. But legal does not mean safe. Snus contains nicotine, which is highly addictive, and can damage the mouth and health. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) and snl.no (Store norske leksikon) describe several health risks of snus.
For e-cigarettes, the rules are stricter. E-cigarettes without nicotine are sold with an 18-year age limit. E-cigarettes with nicotine are not currently allowed to be sold freely in Norway, and it is prohibited to order snus, vape or tobacco from abroad online. The rules change, so always check current information from the Norwegian Directorate of Health.
Many people think that snus and vape are safe alternatives to smoking. This is not true. Both cause nicotine dependence, and research on long-term effects is still in its infancy. If you are pregnant or young, you should avoid them completely. Shops that sell tobacco must also register, and the municipality supervises that the rules are followed.
How do you get free help to quit?
You can get free help to quit smoking or snus, and you don't have to do it alone. Quitting is good for both your body and your wallet.
These offers are free:
- The Slutta app from the Norwegian Directorate of Health, which provides daily motivation and shows how much you save
- advice and tools on helsenorge.no, the public health portal
- a conversation with your GP, who can provide support and medication if needed
- a health promotion centre in your municipality, which offers guidance
Your body starts to improve shortly after your last cigarette. After a few weeks, many people breathe more easily, and over time the risk of heart disease and cancer decreases. If you save one pack a week, you also save a lot of money over a year.
Many people experience anxiety or mood problems when they quit. This is normal. If you need more support, you can read about mental health and help in Norway. If you are unsure where to turn in the healthcare system, we explain GP, urgent care and hospital in a separate article.
Public health and rules in society are part of the curriculum for the Citizenship Test — practice for free on SamfunnPrep. On SamfunnPrep you can practice questions about health, laws and everyday life in Norway. This way you learn both for the test and for life here, and SamfunnPrep helps you understand the rules in practice.
