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Even though recent problems with airlines have been causing delays and even people to miss their flights, vacationers are still embracing the freedoms that were limited due to COVID-19 [1]. If you’re planning a get away yourself, you might be wondering about the rules around vapes and vaping on holiday. Today we’re going to look at vaping laws across the world, and where you can and can’t vape once you reach your destination.
Vaping on holiday – Laws around the world
There are some countries across the world that aren’t as keen to embrace the health benefits of vaping as the UK, some countries have even banned vaping. Most countries still allow vaping though. The restrictions around vaping are usually the same as smoking but you should check before you travel.
Some of the rules around vaping can be a little tricky so it is worth doing your research. In Australia, Brazil and Turkey for example, vaping is legal. You won’t be able to buy vaping products when you get there though. These countries have banned the sale of vaping products and nicotine. When visiting countries like this it’s a good idea to take plenty of e-liquid and spare coils with you, perhaps even a spare battery.
We’ve looked at some of the countries that have stricter rules around vaping. If you’re travelling to any of the below destinations, make sure you are aware of their rules before you go.
Are you breaking the law by vaping on holiday?
The following countries have banned vaping completely. If you’re planning a holiday to any of these places, make sure you are aware of their laws around vaping. If you are found with any e-cigarettes or e-liquid they will be confiscated . You could also be fined, or even arrested.
The following countries have banned vaping:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Jordan
- Qatar
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Uganda
- Venezuela
Popular holiday destinations with trickier laws around vaping
The following countries allow vaping but have stricter laws around the sale and import of vaping products. That means you might have difficulty taking your vape into the country. Some of them have also banned vapes that contain nicotine. The laws around vaping are regularly reviewed, so make sure you do your research and are clued up on the local travel advice before your holiday.
Vaping in Cuba
Vaping is legal in Cuba and you can take your vape with you. However, there have been reports of customs confiscating vapes when leaving the country. There is no legal basis for this under Cuban law. However, you might want to consider leaving your favourite vape at home and taking a cheaper device, or using disposable vapes during your trip.
Vaping in Dominican Republic
There is no definitive rule on vaping being banned in the Dominican Republic. However, some travellers do report having issues entering or leaving the country with their vape.
Vaping in Japan
Japan does permit vaping but have banned the use e-liquids that contain nicotine. In Japan, vapes containing nicotine are considered to be an unlicensed medical product and could be confiscated.
Vaping in Lebanon
Lebanon have technically banned vaping. However, there appears to be little enforcement of the law. You will find vape shops openly selling vape products and e-liquid in Lebanon. However, we advise proceeding with caution as you may still find your e-cigarette or liquid is confiscated.
Vaping in Malaysia
Only licensed pharmacies and medical practitioners can sell products that contain nicotine and some public spaces have now completely banned vaping and smoking. For a full list of places where you cannot vape, please take a look at this article.
Vaping in Mexico
Mexico have banned the use of e-cigarettes in public places. They have also banned the importing of vaping products by Presidential decree, so you may have difficulty bringing your vape into Mexico. However, because the Mexican Supreme Court has ruled that the ban is unconstitutional, vape shops do exist in the major Mexican cities. The shops can be hard to find because they typically don't advertise that they sell vaping products.
Vaping in Norway
Norway had previously banned vaping. However, they recently adopted similar rules to the rest of the EU under the Tobacco Products Directive. The changes have been slow to implement though, so check local travel advice before you pack your vape.
Vaping in South Africa
Vaping is legal in South Africa. They have prohibited e-liquids that contain nicotine though. You will find shops selling nicotine e-liquids in South Africa, but bear in mind that by purchasing and vaping them you will be breaking local laws.
Vaping in Switzerland
Switzerland had banned vaping until recently. However, you can now vape in Switzerland like most EU countries. The local rules can vary by area however, so if you’re travelling around the country it is best to check before getting your vape out so you don’t fall foul of any local laws.
Vaping in United Arab Emirates (including Dubai)
It is legal to vape in the United Arab Emirates, but be careful where you do it. If you use an e-cigarette in some public areas, or in a vehicle, you could face a hefty fine. Vaping in the wrong place in Dubai could land you a fine of 2,000 Dirham (around £400), so check the local regulations before getting out your vape. The rules around vaping are frequently under review in Dubai, so so make sure you check with your travel agent or hotel to get the latest advice before you travel.
Vaping in the Vatican City
It is legal to vape in Rome. If you're planning some sight-seeing though, be aware that vaping and smoking are banned within the walls of the Vatican City.
Will you be able to buy vape products on holiday?
The following countries allow vaping but they have banned the sale of some vaping products, so stock up before you go! Vaping may also be banned in some private and public spaces. So make sure you check the rules before getting your vape out.
- Australia -Australia allow the sale of vape products but it is illegal to buy e-liquid that contains nicotine without a prescription.
- Brazil – It is legal to vape in Brazil but they have banned the sale of vape products. They are pretty strict on this rule, so if you're planning to take your vape with you we recommend only packing what you need and don't take e-liquids in their original boxes. This is because if the authorities suspect you are bringing in products to sell, they will be confiscated.
- Colombia - Colombia had previously banned vaping. This has since changed and you can now vape in Colombia. If you're visiting the country, you'll find vaping is generally permitted in the same areas you can smoke. Colombia have banned the sale and manufacture of vaping products though, so you won't be able to legally buy vape products there.
- Tunisia -The only body permitted to sell vape products in Tunisia is the 'National Board of Tobacco and Matches (RNTA)'. However, vape shops do exist. You can vape in most areas where smoking is permitted. The laws on carrying your vape and liquid into the country aren't clear but if you plan on trying we recommend not taking anything of value in case it is confiscated.
- Turkey – Turkey allows vaping. However, they have banned the sale and distribution of vaping devices and e-liquids. If you plan on taking your favourite vape on holiday with you, do so with caution as some travellers do report having their vape confiscated at customs.
Vapes on a plane
So you’ve done your research on the rules for vapes and vaping on holiday at your planned destination. But what about your flight? Can you take your vape in your hand luggage? How much e-liquid can you take on a plane?
When flying with your vaping supplies, most airlines only allow you to take your e-cigarette and batteries in your hand luggage. You can take your e-liquid in your hand luggage too, but remember there is a limit of 100ml per bottle for your liquids. You can also take no more than 20 batteries [2]. The 20 battery limit is important to keep in mind for anyone who vapes disposables, as every device contains a battery. If you do vape disposables and don’t think 20 kits are going to be enough, there are alternatives. The VLTZ Flex has the same ease of use as a traditional disposable, apart from having to charge the battery when it runs low. You can pack your VLTZ Flex into your hand luggage and take as many pods as you think you will need for your holiday.
You can pack additional e-liquid securely in your hold luggage. However, you must not put any device containing a battery into your hold luggage. The rules can vary between airlines, so if it doubt check before you travel.
Vaping at airports
So, you have packed your bags and suitcases. Now when you get to the airport where can you vape? Most airports in the UK only allow you to vape in designated smoking areas. This means that your last vape might be before you queue to get through security. But if you’re wondering which airports have smoking areas in the departure lounge, we have you covered.
Airports with no smoking areas in departures:
- Gatwick
- Stanstead
- Luton
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Manchester – Terminal 3 has a smoking area in the departure lounge.
Airports where you can vape in designating smoking areas in the departure lounge:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Belfast (but it costs £1 to use the smoking area)
- Newcastle
- Liverpool
When you’re on the plane though, we strongly advise against vaping. All airlines have banned smoking, and this includes using an e-cigarette. Take the example of a recent holiday maker who was removed from a flight to Ibiza by armed police, after he was caught vaping on the plane [3].
And there you have it! Now you’re a little more knowledgable about vapes and vaping on holiday. If you have any more questions about vaping, or what you’ll need to stock up on before going away, then contact our store or customer service teams.
References
[2] https://okvape.co.uk/blog/product-guides/travelling-with-e-cigarettes/
[3] https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/ryanair-passenger-caught-vaping-flight-27217923