In this article...
- Can You Take Vapes Abroad?
- Where is Vaping Banned?
- Taking Vapes Abroad and Possible Consequences
- Can You Take Vapes on a Plane?
- Can I Take E-liquid on a Plane?
- What About Vaping on Other Types of Transport?
- Can You Vape in Hotel Rooms?
- Can You Take Disposable Vapes Abroad?
- Can I Buy Vapes Abroad?
- How Do I Dispose of Vapes?
- Best Vapes To Take Abroad - VLTZ range
With sunny days well on the way and summer just around the corner, it's the perfect time to take a break from work and enjoy some time abroad. If you're heading overseas, you might be planning to take your vape with you. Whether it's enjoying the fruity flavour of Tropical Mango during cocktail hour on a sandy beach, or the taste of refreshing Spearmint Menthol during a bustling city break, you'll want to make sure you're not breaking any rules. This applies both to while you're travelling, and when you reach your destination. We’ll answer questions like, can you take vapes abroad? How many vapes can you take on a plane? And ultimately, what are the best vapes to take on holiday?
Can You Take Vapes Abroad?
Although the UK embraces vaping, other countries have alternative views and rules when it comes to vaping. It's so important to read up on the rules and regulations surrounding vaping in the country that you plan on visiting.
A few things to check before booking your holiday:
- Vaping laws in the country you're visiting.
- Vaping rules in the airport, on a plane, and on other modes of transport.
- Vaping rules at your hotel.
We've got some great advice to help make your holiday as stress-free as possible when vaping abroad.
Where is Vaping Banned?
The UK has already announced a disposable vape ban which is yet to come into force. However, there are countries that have already enforced a ban on disposable vapes, and so if you are thinking of going abroad with single-use, non-rechargeable devices, it’s worth checking out this list first.
Disposable vapes are currently banned in the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Bhutan
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- China
- East Timor
- Ethiopia
- Gambia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- North Korea
- Qatar
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Thailand
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Uruguay
What about other types of vapes?
Some countries have banned vapes completely, while others allow vaping only via prescription. Australia has banned vaping and e-liquids for all, with the exception of vapers with a doctor’s prescription.
The following countries have banned vaping and vape products in their entirety:
- Qatar
- Singapore
- Thailand
Laws can change quite frequently and so you must check the laws of the country and region you wish to visit before attempting to take dispoables, e-liquids, or vape kits abroad. Breaking these laws can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment.
Taking Vapes Abroad and Possible Consequences
If you're planning to take vapes abroad, it's important to first check the laws and regulations of the country you're visiting. So, for example, before booking your flight to the warm and sunny Australia, it may be wise to first ask yourself "are vapes illegal in Australia?"
Below, we’ve provided a little more information on places vapes are banned and what could happen should you flout those laws.[1]
Are Vapes Illegal in Australia?
Vaping in Australia is only legal if you have a prescription. Otherwise, it could cost you over £125,000 in fines. Yikes.
Vaping in Asia
Planning on travelling to Asia? Good choice! Planning on vaping in Asia? You should definitely check the countries where this is legal. Here's a list of where in Asia vaping is banned:
Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Iran, Japan (nicotine e-liquid is illegal. You can vape non-nicotine e-liquid), North Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Nepal, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Singapore (fined around £1200), Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand (around £700 fine or up to 10 years prison sentence), Timor-Leste, and Turkmenistan.
Africa and Vaping
Rich with culture and delicious food, Africa makes for the perfect destination holiday. Let's respect each location's' policy by not vaping in Ethiopia, Gambia, Mauritius, Seychelles and Uganda.
North America Vaping Rules
Although the USA is well known for vaping, there are other countries in North America where vaping is banned. These include Antigua and Barbuda, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama.
Vaping in South America
If you're planning on visiting the fourth largest continent in the world, just remember that these South American countries have banned vaping: Brazil, Colombia (previously illegal, now rulings are not definite), Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.
Europe Vaping Laws
Finally, for those who's planning on not straying too far from home and visiting the city of Rome, just keep in mind that vaping in Vatican City is banned.
For a more detailed look at where you can and cannot vape check out our guide to Vaping on Holiday. The rules around vaping are often changing, so we recommend checking with local laws and your travel agent ahead of your trip.
Can You Take Vapes on a Plane?
First let's see if you can vape before your plane journey. Most UK airports have banned the use of e-cigarettes on their premises. There may be a few exceptions where you can vape in designated smoking areas at particular airports, but for the most part, the answer is no. [2]
Also, your e-cigarette must be taken through security and is only allowed to be kept in your carry-ons.
Although many airlines allow you to take vapes on the plane, it's illegal to actually vape on the plane. So, keep your devices safe in your hand luggage. Let's not forget the amount of vapes you're allowed to take on a plane varies between airlines.
Also, whether your vape will be allowed to take into the country is an entirely different question; some countries may be vague about their laws regarding vaping, so it may be best to leave your expensive or well-loved vape kit at home - you don't want it to get confiscated at customs.
Can I Take E-liquid on a Plane?
It’s important to check with your airline and the airports you are flying from and into about their exact rules when it comes to taking e-liquids on an aeroplane. It’s also incredibly important to remember that rules can change at any time and so you need to keep checking the relevant websites for information. When it comes to e-liquid, you can only carry containers of up to 100ml through security (like with other liquids). Keep your e-liquid stored inside a clear plastic bag. This information is correct as of March 2024.
How many vapes can you take on a plane?
Let's not forget that airlines have a limit on the amount of vapes you can take too, with airlines such as British Airways allowing 15 batteries maximum (including other devices), or EasyJet only allowing two spare batteries for your e-cig. Remember, your vape kits contain a battery, so that's one battery per disposable, along with your other battery devices like chargers, electronic toothbrushes etc. You could be left vape-free for a good chunk of your holiday if relying on disposables. [3][4]
So, is it really best to take disposable vapes on holiday? You may be better off leaving the Elf Bars or Crystal Bars home.
What About Vaping on Other Types of Transport?
Remember, travelling abroad is just one part of your journey. Think about other modes of transport you may take, such as taxis, rental cars or public transport like buses or trains. It's best to avoid vaping in these areas; if it's not allowed in the UK, it's likely not to be allowed abroad either.
Can You Vape in Hotel Rooms?
Individual hotels will probably have their own vaping policies, so not all hotels have the same rules regarding vaping. Check beforehand to avoid any disappointment, or breaking any laws. In most instances, you'd be allowed to vape in hotels that allow smoking - the same rules for smoking tend to apply to vaping. Of course, it's always best to check with management beforehand. Remember, failure to follow the rules can lead to fines.
Can You Take Disposable Vapes Abroad?
Disposable vapes may seem like the sensible choice of vape to take with you on your holiday:
- Inexpensive so no worries if you lose your vape.
- Disposable vapes are small so can easily fit in your luggage or pockets.
- Disposables have closed pod systems so likely no mess.
Just remember that all disposable vapes contain a battery, and most airlines have a limit on how many batteries you can take in your hand luggage. If you're going to need several vapes to get you through your holiday, your best bet is to swap your disposable vapes for a single rechargeable battery with replaceable pods - like the VLTZ flex.
Can I Buy Vapes Abroad?
If you're bargaining on being able to buy a disposable vape when you reach your destination, it's worth noting that vapes aren't available everywhere - for example, in Turkey. Even though vaping in Turkey is legal, it is illegal to sell vapes there, meaning that you probably won't be able to buy any disposables whilst there. [5]
How Do I Dispose of Vapes?
Then of course, there's the struggle of how to dispose of your disposable vape. Does the country that you plan on visiting have any sustainable ways of recycling vapes? We know in the UK disposing used vapes is easy - just drop them off at a Totally Wicked retail store and we'll recycle them for you. This may not be the case in the country that you visit, so this is definitely something you should read up on beforehand.
Best Vapes To Take Abroad - VLTZ range
The VLTZ range may be best to take with you on holiday. They're made to last you longer than disposable vapes and at a better price. Just remember for any vape kit you take abroad, keep it out of the sun - heat can lead to thinner vape juice which could mean leaky tanks. Plus, heat and batteries don't make a great pairing.
VLTZ flex Pro
Why not make your life easier by going for a rechargeable vape kit like the VLTZ flex Pro? The simplicity of the interchangeable pod system makes it perfect to take abroad as you can choose to use pre-filled pods or fill up your refillable pod with VLTZ e-liquid. Don't forget to take your charger with you, otherwise your vape may not last you the entirety of your holiday.
VLTZ re:fuel
Travel in style with VLTZ re:fuel, a handy vape for your summer getaway. With a rechargeable battery and refillable tank, this device can easily be stored in your carry-on luggage, along with your e-liquid too. There are plenty of flavours to choose from, so you don't need to be stuck with just the one flavour when you go away. Just remember not to take more than (in accordance to airline rules), and of course, don't leave your charger behind!
Enjoying your time-off with a holiday abroad should be relaxing and stress-free. Don't get caught out on ruining your holiday by not adhering to other countries' rules. Vape safely and according to the guidelines of the country that you're visiting.
VLTZ flex Pro
Refilllable and Pre-filled cross-compatible vape pods
VLTZ re:fuel
Refillable vaping device
Sources/References:
[1] https://www.thetravelmagazine.net/travelling-brits-warned-vaping-in-these-countries-could-land-you-in-jail/
[2] https://www.gatwick-airport-guide.co.uk/e-cigarettes.html
[3] https://www.britishairways.com/en-gb/information/baggage-essentials/liquids-and-restrictions
[4] https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/baggage/restricted-and-unusual-items
[5] https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkey-bans-imports-of-electronic-cigarettes/news
