Vaping on Holiday 2025

Going on holiday to Europe and planning to vape? Figuring out the rules can be tricky because every country is different. What’s allowed in one place might be banned just next door.

This means it’s important to check the latest, specific vaping laws for your exact destination before you travel. Rules can change quickly, and checking first is the best way to avoid fines or problems.

This guide gives a quick overview (as of May 2025) to point you in the right direction.

Vaping Rules Across Europe

Vaping rules and how people see vaping can be quite different depending on where you are in Europe. There’s something called the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD)[1], which sets out some basic rules that countries in the EU, and often those nearby, tend to follow. These rules usually cover things like a minimum age to buy and use vapes (generally 18 years old).

The TPD also says how much nicotine can be in e-liquids (usually no more than 20mg/ml). It's also common to see limits on the size of e-liquid bottles that have nicotine in them (often to 10ml) and how much liquid vape tanks can hold.

But these TPD rules are just the starting point. Each country then adds its own set of more specific laws. These extra local rules can cover all sorts of things, like where you’re actually allowed to vape in public, what types of vape products can be legally sold, and how much tax is charged on e-cigarettes and e-liquids.

Vaping In Popular Holiday Destinations

Understanding the specific nuances of your holiday spot is key. Here's a more detailed insight into what vapers can expect in several popular European countries:

The United Kingdom:

If you’re heading to the UK, know that the vaping rules are in the middle of some big changes. The most important one for you to be aware of is a ban on the sale of single-use or ‘disposable’ vapes. This is set to start from June 1, 2025[2].

From that date, shops and online retailers in the UK won’t be allowed to sell disposable vapes anymore, whether they’ve got nicotine in them or not. So, if you’re planning to buy a vape once you’re in the UK after June 1st, 2025, it will have to be a reusable one - the kind you can recharge and refill. This ban is a big deal, so you definitely won’t find disposables for sale after that date.

Also, any vapes that contain nicotine and sold in the UK have to meet certain safety and quality standards.

When it comes to airports in the UK, if you want to vape, you’ll usually need to find a designated smoking area. These are almost always located outside the main terminal building, and you’ll need to use them before you go through security.

Vaping in Spain (including the Canary Islands):

Vaping in Spain[3], including popular spots like the Canary Islands[4], it’s legal for adults (18 and over) to use nicotine vapes, generally following basic EU guidelines. There are quite a few limits on where you can actually vape. You usually can’t vape in indoor public buildings (like government offices), on public transport such as buses or trains, and in some specially marked outdoor areas like certain parks.

A big thing for holidaymakers to know is that many beaches now ban both smoking and vaping. This is happening more and more in popular tourist areas, for example, in the Canary Islands and around Barcelona. Always look carefully for local signs when you’re at the beach, because you could get a fine if you vape where it’s not allowed.

Spain’s vaping rules might also be changing more soon. The government has been talking about possibly banning disposable vapes, perhaps sometime in 2025, and also putting more limits on different e-liquid flavours. Generally, Spain treats vaping quite like smoking when it comes to its rules. So, before your trip, it's a really good idea to check the very latest local rules, especially for where you can vape and what types of vape products you can expect to find or use.

Vaping in Greece:

In Greece, if you’re an adult (18 or older), vaping is legal, and the country mostly follows the basic EU rules[5] on things like nicotine strength and bottle sizes. Officially, the rule is that you can vape wherever smoking is allowed. Greece does have strict anti-smoking laws, but it’s often said that these aren’t always strongly enforced. Even so, it's probably best to be discreet with your vaping and try to use designated smoking areas if they’re available.

Generally, you won’t be able to vape in indoor public places, workplaces, or on any public transport. One unusual rule in Greece is that since September 2018, shops are not allowed to sell e-cigarettes or e-liquids that don’t contain any nicotine. So, if you prefer nicotine-free vapes, you’ll need to bring your own.

There’s also a small tax on vape liquid (around €0.10 for every ml), so you may see higher prices than normal.

Vaping in Cyprus:

Cyprus follows the main EU rules[6] when it comes to vaping, but it also has some of its own specific national laws, especially for e-cigarettes that contain nicotine.

You should know that you can’t just vape anywhere you like in public in Cyprus, as there are restrictions on where you can use e-cigarettes. A really important rule for everyone, including visitors, is that you absolutely cannot vape in a private car if there’s a pregnant woman or anyone under the age of 18 inside with you.

If you don’t follow these vaping rules, you could end up with a fine, which can be up to €850.

Vaping in France:

If you’re heading to France, there’s a big recent change in vaping rules you need to know about. Since February 26, 2025, shops in France are not allowed to sell or give away disposable e-cigarettes. This ban covers any vape that comes pre-filled with liquid and can’t be refilled, even if it has a rechargeable battery. This sales ban is taken seriously by the authorities[7].

But don’t worry if you use other kinds of vapes. Reusable vape systems - the ones you can refill with e-liquid - are still perfectly legal to use and buy in France.

France also sticks to the usual EU rules for vape products. This means there are limits on how much nicotine can be in e-liquids (usually 20mg/ml is the maximum), the size of e-liquid bottles that contain nicotine (generally 10ml is the biggest you can buy), and how much liquid vape tanks can hold (up to 2ml).

When you’re out and about in public, you generally can’t vape on public transport (like buses and trains) or in most indoor public places, such as bars and restaurants. Some places might have their own rules and allow it, so it’s always best to ask someone who works there before you start vaping.

Vaping in Turkey:

Turkey’s vaping rules are a bit different from many other places[8]. Officially, shops in Turkey are not allowed to sell e-cigarettes or e-liquids. So, you won’t find them available to buy in stores.

Even though selling them is banned, actually using your own e-cigarette is reportedly quite common. It’s often tolerated in places where you see people smoking regular cigarettes. However, some private places, like certain cafes or restaurants, might still ask you not to vape, so it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings.

Because of this sales ban, it’s very hard, if not impossible, to find e-liquid or any replacement vape parts if you run out while you’re in Turkey. This means if you vape, it’s really important to bring enough of your own e-liquid and any spare parts (like coils) to last your entire holiday.

When bringing your vape gear into Turkey for your own use, you can generally bring one vape device and a modest amount of e-liquid (for example, up to about 30ml) or a few disposables. It’s always best to keep these items in your hand luggage. If customs officials happen to ask, just explain it’s for your personal use. Also, remember you need to be 19 years or older to vape in Turkey.

Vaping at Airports and On Planes

When you’re travelling, airports and airplanes have their own strict rules for vaping that you really need to know[9].

Vaping At the Airport

At your starting airport, if you want to vape, you’ll usually have to go to a designated smoking area. These are nearly always located outside the main terminal building, so you’ll need to vape before you go through security checks. A really important point is that once your past security, there’s often nowhere at all to vape until you get to your destination.

When you land at your holiday spot, any rules about vaping immediately outside the arrival airport will depend on that country’s local laws. And once you leave the airport area completely, you’ll need to follow the country’s general rules for vaping in public.

Vaping on A Plane

A Strict No! It’s simple: absolutely no vaping on the plane. This is banned by all airlines. The smoke detectors on planes are very sensitive and can be set off by vapour. If you try to vape on board, you could face serious trouble, like big fines or even being removed from the flight. It’s just not worth the risk.

Travelling Outside Europe and Vaping?

Thinking of vaping on holidays outside of Europe? You need to be extra careful! Government rules are constantly changing, and vaping is actually totally illegal in many countries worldwide. It’s really worth checking the specific rules for a country before you even book your trip.

It’s also important to know the difference between places where vaping is ‘completely banned’ and places where it might be allowed only under very strict conditions. For example, in Australia, the rules are now very tight. Bringing vapes into the country is heavily restricted (only a tiny amount for personal medical use is allowed when you arrive). Buying vapes legally means going to a pharmacy, and you’ll often need a doctor’s prescription for nicotine vapes. Breaking rules around import or supply could lead to massive fines (reports mention up to £24,000) or even potentially jail time (up to two years).

Some other countries have total bans with very severe consequences. Getting caught with a vape in Qatar could mean a big fine (reports suggest around £2,200) or even up to three months in prison. Thailand is known for being extremely strict - tourists have reportedly been arrested, fined, jailed and even deported just for having a vape. Potential penalties there could include up to 10 years in prison, so it’s absolutely vital to take these bans seriously.

The table below lists some of the countries outside Europe where vaping is banned or have very tough restrictions:

Best Vapes for Vaping Abroad

With disposable vapes now banned from sale in France and a UK ban starting June 1, 2025, it's smart to get a reusable vape before your holiday. This avoids issues finding compliant vapes abroad.

At Totally Wicked, we have great travel options. Our reusable kits, like the Flex Pro Bar, Lumina, and Aeromax, are easy to pack and let you use your favourite e-liquids including the new, ultimate flavour enhanced VLTZ Ultra.

For super convenience, the Flex Pro Bar also works with Flex pre-filled pods. You can often grab a multi-buy deal on these, like 10 pods for just £22.50 (saving up to 25%), so you’re set for your trip. Planning with a reusable or pre-filled system from us means smoother, rule-friendly holiday vaping.

Taking Nicotine Pouches on Holiday

Thinking about taking nicotine pouches on holiday instead of your vape, maybe because the vaping rules look strict where you’re going? Nic Pouches can definitely be more discreet.

Totally Wicked Nicotine pouches are available in three different nicotine strengths, ranging from low – high and two flavours, mint and spearmint. These little pouches fit snugly between the upper lip and gum and slowly release nicotine into your system.

For those places you can’t vape, like long haul or even short haul flights, Nicotine Pouches are the ideal companion.

Be Prepared for Vaping Restrictions, Wherever You Travel

A little bit of planning goes a long way. The main thing is to always check the very latest vaping laws for your specific destination before you go. Use official government or tourist info sites.

Quick Checklist:

• Remember disposable vape bans are increasing (France already, UK from June 1, 2025).
• Pack your vapes correctly for flights (device in carry-on!).
• Bring enough e-liquid and spare pods for your whole trip.
• Check rules for nicotine pouches too, if you plan to use them.
• Always be considerate when you vape.

Know the rules, pack smart, vape responsibly, and focus on enjoying your holiday!

References

[1] Revision of the Tobacco Products Directive

[2] Single-use vapes ban

[3] E-cigarette vaping in Spain

[4] Smoking laws in the Canary Islands: Can you smoke or vape in bars and restaurants?

[5] E-cigarette vaping in Greece

[6] E-cigarette vaping in Cyprus

[7] The sale of disposable e-cigarettes is now banned in France

[8] Electronic Cigarette Guide for Tourists in Turkey

[9] A Traveller’s Guide to Vaping Abroad