Last updated: March 29, 2024

Travelling & Vaping

So you’re about to set off on a whirlwind trip in a flying tin tube for hours on end. You’re sure the oven is off, your headphones are charged and your movies downloaded. You’ve packed your nicotine gum and you’ll top up with a quick vape before boarding, but will it be enough for the journey? Can you vape in the airport when you land? Are your E Liquids even allowed on the plane? What about the batteries?!

Suddenly, you don’t feel so prepared.

Well fear not! We’ve compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to vaping on your vacation. So sit back, relax, and make sure you know exactly what to expect when vaping in the airport and abroad.

Which Countries Don’t Allow Vaping?

In most countries, the legal status of vaping is still being determined. There are 20 countries that have flat-out banned vaping, so if you’re going to any of the following places, please be aware that there are restrictions on vaping. Laws vary from country to country so if you’re planning a trip away it’s best to check the specific laws of the region you’re travelling to in order to avoid any embarrassing situations.

For example while Norway allows vaping, it doesn’t allow the sale of E Liquid (so you’ll be stuck with whatever E Liquid you chose to take with you). If you were to start vaping in Singapore however, the choice would land you with a criminal record and a guaranteed fine of around £1200. Make sure you check the legal status of the countries below (or any country for that matter) very carefully before travelling.

This information is for reference only! You could face a fine, a criminal record, or even imprisonment if you break the smoking/vaping laws in some countries.

Argentina

The sale, importation and manufacturing of e-cigarettes have been banned by the local regulatory authority.

Egypt

Officially, vaping and all vape related products are banned however there are Vape Shops in some cities. We would advise against vaping in Egypt, even if you spot a friendly vape shop. Although not strictly enforced, you could still face a fine.

Oman

It’s illegal to buy, sell or use any vape products in Oman.

Singapore

The use, purchase and possession of e-cigarettes in Singapore is illegal.

UAE

The UAE made the sale of vapes legal in February 2019, but that doesn’t mean they can be used indiscriminately. Smoking an e-cigarette comes with the same restrictions as puffing on a traditional cigarette.

Brazil

The sale, importation and advertising of any kind of e-cigarette is forbidden.

India

While technically it’s not illegal to vape in India, the purchase, importation, sale, and advertising of electronic cigarettes is strictly illegal. This has lead to confusion with the Indian authorities and there have been multiple reports of people’s Vape Kits and E Liquids being seized upon arrival in India.

Panama

The retail sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in places where smoking is prohibited.

Taiwan

Passengers are NOT allowed to carry e-cigarettes and e-liquids into Taiwan. People who are heading to other countries as next destinations and have short-term layover in Taiwan carrying such items must proceed to the “Goods to Declare” counter (Red Lane) and declare to customs upon arrival.

Uruguay

The law bans the commercialization, importation, and advertising of e-cigarettes, as well as their registration as a trademark or patent. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited, which includes all enclosed public places, workplaces, and public transport.

Brunei

You cannot legally purchase, sell or import e-cigarettes and even nicotine-free e-cigarettes are banned. Anyone caught using a vaping device in a no-smoking area can be fined $300 (€256) if it is their first offence or $500 (€427) for a subsequent offence.

Indonesia

Vaping is technically illegal, but you will find vape shops and E Liquids on market stalls. If you are tempted to vape in Indonesia, be aware while you might get away with it, being caught will leave you with a hefty fine.

Philippines

Although the Philippines government has not yet issued any details on the scope and penalties of their Vaping ban, foreign travelers are advised to not carry e-cigarettes through customs.

Thailand

Electronic cigarettes and E liquid are strictly illegal in Thailand.

Venezuela

At this time, no product has been registered, thus the sale, promotion and distribution of e-cigarettes is illegal per an alert.

Cambodia

Vaping in Cambodia is very much illegal in all regards, you can and will face judicial punishment, could be giving time in prison as well as large fines.

Iran

The sale, importation and manufacture of e-cigarettes is banned. The use of these products in public places is banned along with tobacco products.

Qatar

Quatar is a confusing one. Selling, distribution or possession of a large number of e-cigarettes is still illegal in Qatar but there are exceptions. It’s advised to check for yourself before travelling.

Turkey

While vaping is not illegal in Turkey, purchasing or distributing e-cigarettes is. Be warned, there have been reports of travelers having their Vape Kits and E Liquids confiscated upon arrival.

Vietnam

Vaping is illegal in Vietnam. Sellers of electronic cigarette products can face imprisonment, and people caught vaping in public places can face a hefty fine.

Can I Use My Vape On The Plane?

No. As far as we’re aware, there are no airline companies that allow vaping while on the plane. You might be tempted to sneak a little hit in the corner of your chair, or in the toilets, but we wouldn’t advise it. Vaping on a plane carries the same penalties as smoking. If caught smoking or vaping on a plane, you will be fined (this figure is usually in the thousands) and arrested when the plane lands. As this is also a security risk, the flight may have to be diverted or cancelled altogether. For the sake of a few hours of nicotine craving, we don’t think it’s really worth the risk.

Can I Take My E Liquid On The Plane?

Yes. E Liquids are fine to carry in your hand luggage in the same way as normal liquids. So long as they’re no larger than 100ml and haven’t been opened, they can be placed in the clear plastic bags with the rest of your liquids. There are no restrictions on carrying E Liquids in your checked luggage either but there may be import restrictions in your destination country. Make sure you check before packing!

Can You Take Your Vape On The Plane?

Yes. Your Vape Kit can be stored safely in your hand luggage if it is empty. If you have E Liquid in the tank, you’ll have to place your Vape Kit (or just the tank) into a clear plastic bag just like regular liquids when going through security. It can be returned to your hand luggage afterwards. If you want to store your e cig in your checked luggage, you need to keep your batteries IN the mod and ensure it’s turned OFF.

Can You Take Batteries On The Plane?

Yes, absolutely. The batteries will either need to be stored inside the device itself or separately in a protective cover (kept in the original packaging or stored in a silicone sleeve/plastic case for example). Most airlines allow a maximum of 4 batteries to be stored this way (outside of the mod), with the exception of Flybe who only allow 2 batteries to be transported externally. If you want to store batteries in your checked luggage, they have to be stored inside the device itself which MUST be switched off. You cannot transport spare batteries in your checked luggage.

Which Airports Have Smoking Areas?

Lots. Too Many to list in all honesty. The vast majority of airports in the UK will have a smoking area, but if you want to check your specific destination we recommend the Airport Smokers website. There you can search for pretty much any airport in the world to find if they have designated smoking (and vaping) facilities. We would still recommend checking the website for the airport you’ll be visiting for up-to-date information.

Which Airports DO NOT Have Smoking Areas?

Don’t take it for granted that your destination airport will have a smoking area. A lot of major Airports are adopting “Smokefree” policies which do not allow indoor smoking areas in airport terminals. More and more airports around the world are falling in line with this restriction so even if your airport isn’t listed below, make sure you check for yourself.