Can You Take a Vape on Holiday in 2026?

We’re all eagerly awaiting that first drop of sun on holiday this year. Cocktail in hand, vape in another- but have you thought about the potential implications of vaping abroad in 2026?

Following the UK's disposable vape ban, which came into force on 1 June 2025, travellers should ensure they're packing a refillable or rechargeable device rather than a disposable. Spain’s recent warning over a stern fine for beach vaping, it’s crucial to consider both the legal and moral approaches to vaping abroad.

A new UK vape duty of £2.20 per 10ml of e-liquid is also set to come into effect on 1 October 2026, which may affect pricing ahead of your holiday.

Wondering if your pre-booked destination is on the list to avoid? We’ve compiled the latest vaping laws and discussions globally to assist with your decision-making for vaping abroad this year. 

Vaping laws vary from country to country, and while it’s deemed normalised in the UK, it’s easy to forget that this isn’t the case globally.

The luxury of a cost-effective, satisfying alternative to cigarettes could well be banned in your holiday destination.

For the latest British laws on disposable vapes, you can read more on both the incoming ban and ingredients to avoid. Intrigued about the vaping laws elsewhere? Let’s delve into the top locations that enforce vaping laws and rules.

Spain has significantly tightened its rules heading into 2026. Vaping is now banned on bar and restaurant terraces, at public transport stops, near swimming pools, and within 15 metres of schools and hospitals. All Barcelona beaches, and popular beaches in the Balearic and Canary Islands, are now legally vape-free zones — fines range from €30 up to €2,000. Disposable vapes are also being aggressively phased out. Always check local signage carefully before vaping outdoors.

Spain has formally pushed to ban flavoured vapes, but the World Vapers Allowance opposed this decision by publishing key findings from a Spanish vaping survey. With 92.1% of Spanish vapers switching from cigarettes to vapes, and 87% using flavoured vapes to reduce tobacco use.

Whether the Spanish government will move forward with their flavoured vape ban or not, we’d recommend limiting your vaping use to open-top bars to avoid losing your holiday pocket money!

One thing about Thailand is that they will suppress vape use in line with their ban- tourist or not. 

Ever wondered how so many tourists get away with it? From staff experience, locals explain that Thai police are eager to issue fines for breaking vaping laws (seemingly to support their family), and shopkeepers sell through back doors- meaning it’s a win-win for the Thai economy. 

Local vape profits aside, Thailand has promised a second crackdown this year on the importation and sale of vapes. It’s a big no to bring vapes into Thailand. If you do find yourself with a vape in hand, beware that authorities will fine, and in some cases, imprison you for vaping in Thailand. 

Similar to Thailand, Mexico has a constitutional ban on vaping products. In October 2022, Mexico passed a law to ban the distribution and sale of vapes. 

Whether personal use of vapes is allowed, is indeterminate territory. While it’s true you won’t be able to buy a vape in Mexico, different regions offer inconsistent rules. Public vaping is forbidden, and while it's tempting to sneak a cheeky puff privately, you could still face a fine.

If you’re considering bringing a vape with you to the airport, these will most likely be confiscated at Mexican customs, issuing a fine or detainment. Can’t go without them? We’d recommend skipping Mexico for your 2025 holiday.

While the sale and distribution of vaping products is illegal in Turkey, it’s legal to vape from your own supplies. Note that the legal vaping age in Turkey is 19, not 18. Vaping is, however, prohibited inside and on public transport.

It’s important to consider how many vapes you bring with you- while you won’t be able to buy any vapes in Turkey, import restrictions could cause issues for personal use. 

We’d recommend bringing enough to get you through your trip, but don’t overdo it- no more than 10 disposable vapes, or above 30ml in refill e-liquid capacity. 

Other than those rules, you can enjoy vaping in public where smoking is allowed!

Vaping in Japan is a legal grey area- while it’s permitted to vape in a designated smoking zone, the sale of nicotine-containing vapes has been banned since 2010.

They’re considered medical products, under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. You can bring your own personal supply, given that it’s no more than 120ml of e-liquid or over a one-month supply to be cleared by customs.

However, if you’re a nicotine-free vaper, your supplies won’t be considered medicinal products, and the same regulations won’t apply- you can freely buy these in Japan. 

Non-nicotine vapes are actually not explicitly prohibited to minors either, making Japan one of the only countries selling nicotine-free vapes to typically ‘underage’ consumers!

While there was a legal loophole in the UK allowing minors to buy nicotine-free products, most reputable stores refused the sales to uphold moral standards. 

 It’s not all regulations and restrictions- if you’re reconsidering your holiday destination based on vaping laws abroad, we’ve got a handful of top contenders for the best countries to visit that allow vaping!

As always, it’s key to know the UK regulations to ensure your vapes are both legal and safe to smoke. While most distributors and sellers will abide by the TPD and TRPR directives, you can check the MHRA site for peace of mind on your product.

Perhaps one of the most lenient countries in terms of vape laws. Stricter indoor rules now apply in Greece, including restaurants, stadiums, and vehicles where minors are present. Despite the mandatory age of 18, vaping and smoking culture in Greece is deemed widely accepted, with a range of e-liquids and vapes sold not only in specialised stores but across most supermarkets. 

There are no restrictions on carrying vapes on flights to Greece, so long as they don’t exceed the 100ml travel liquid limit. While it’s acceptable, you are bound to avoid vaping in various places.

Similar to where the UK is heading, France banned disposable vapes in February 2025, so travellers should bring a refillable device. They do, however, create a monumental range of e-liquid flavours sold internationally, with an emphasis on high-quality and verified ingredients.

As of March 2025, it’s completely legal to buy and smoke re-usable vape kits in France- they have a range of vape shops available across the country, with specialist electronic and e-liquid products on offer.

It’s also legal to vape in restaurants and bars in France! You’ll just need to avoid vaping on public transport.

Known for their liberal and broad-minded views on smoking, Amsterdam boasts a multitude of vape shops and lounges dedicated to vaping.

As well as vapes being widely accepted and sold, there are laws that allow the use and sale of cannabis in small retail quantities- you can have a look at the coffee shop directory map for an idea of just how popular they are!

The catch? It’ll be quite difficult to find flavoured e-liquid, with a 2023 law focusing on the sale of tobacco flavours only. You can however try out CBD vape juice, known for its relaxing and therapeutic properties!

Absolutely! With similar rules to the UK, there’s a growing vaping culture throughout Germany. Known as ‘e-schischas’, vape pod kits are among more of the popular choices here. You can buy vapes throughout the city, albeit their e-liquid tax has led to increased prices.

As well as their rich cultural history and modern approach to nightlife, vaping here is considered vastly safer than smoking cigarettes- after all, the NHS has named vaping as the most effective tool for quitting smoking, with less harmful properties than smoking. 

In fact, statistics show that there are currently 1.4 million vapers in Germany, so it’s clear you won’t need to compromise your vaping habits on your trip away to Berlin!

So, you’re all clued up on the vaping laws abroad this year. But what about taking your vaping stash on the plane with you? 

In general, as long as your e-liquid doesn’t exceed the 100ml limit for carry-on luggage, and is stored in a clear and sealable plastic bag, you won’t need to worry. You could theoretically take no more than 10 X 100ml e-liquid bottles, although depending on your destination, this amount may be confiscated by import restrictions. 

For a more detailed breakdown, have a look at How Much Vape Liquid Can You Take On a Plane, and if you can Take Vapes On a Plane! 

If you’re looking to stock up before your holiday, make sure to contact us for expert recommendations. 

Tip for 2026 travellers

With disposable vapes now banned in the UK, France, Belgium, and Spain, a compact refillable pod kit is your most travel-friendly option. They're allowed in carry-on luggage, work across different e-liquids, and won't cause issues at European customs.