Can You Take Vapes Abroad? Vape Laws Around the World
This article was written by Rachel Jackson | Published: August 23, 2017 | Last updated: July 16, 2024
Every summer without fail, my vaping friends hit me with the “Can you take vapes abroad?” text. And every year, my answer is the same: it depends.
Electronic cigarette laws vary across the globe, and not all countries have the same progressive attitude towards vaping as the UK.
Luckily, the number of countries where vaping is legal vastly outweigh those where it’s illegal. But with laws changing so quickly, it can be difficult to keep track of the different regulations.
To avoid having your vapes confiscated by customs, receiving a hefty fine, or (worst case scenario!) being detained overseas, I’ve put together a list of countries where vaping is legal, illegal, and restricted.
Updated in July 2024, this guide allows you to keep up to date on the latest rules on taking vapes abroad so you can travel with ease.
Can You Take Vapes Abroad?
If you don't want to be in a position where you’ll be tempted to have a cigarette, it's worth doing your research before booking your holiday.
If it’s too late for that and you’re panic reading this the night before your trip, don’t worry! There’s still time to get prepared before you head to the airport.
Are you allowed to take vapes on a plane?
First things first: check that your departure airport and chosen airline allow you to travel with e-cigarettes.
Is vaping banned in Europe?
European countries tend to be the most accepting of vaping globally, but national laws do vary.
In many places vaping products are categorised as consumer products containing an addictive substance. That means they are heavily regulated, with some EU nations classifying vapes as medical products.
Get ready for your departure with our Ultimate Guide to Travelling with E-Cigarettes which includes everything you need to know about taking vapes on planes.
What are the electronic cigarette laws abroad?
Once you have the go-ahead to take your vapes on the plane, it’s time to get up to speed on the electronic cigarette laws of where you’re visiting. Let’s start with the countries where vaping is legal.
Countries Where Vaping is Legal
Here’s a list of the countries where vaping is legal as of July 2024.
Bear in mind these countries may still have restrictions on where you can vape e.g. in bars, public places etc., so always check before you start vaping.
A good rule of thumb is to assume that where smoking is prohibited, vaping likely is too.
Can you vape in Armenia?
E-cigarettes are legal in Armenia, although the use of e-cigarettes in indoor public places, workplaces, and public transport is prohibited.
Can you vape in Austria?
E-cigarettes are legal in Austria but vaping is prohibited wherever smoking bans apply. This includes vaping in cars where children under 18 years old are present.
Can you vape in Belgium?
E-cigarettes are legal in Belgium, although there are legal restrictions on their use in public places. Those who break the rules can be fined between €208 and €8,000. For this reason, we recommend only vaping in areas where smoking is explicitly permitted.
Can you vape in Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria?
There are no specific laws on the use of nicotine vapes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We recommend exercising caution when vaping in public and being considerate of differing attitudes towards vaping.
Can you vape in Bulgaria?
E-cigarettes are legal in Bulgaria and vaping has more leniency than smoking. there There are no restrictions on vaping indoors, and vaping is even allowed in areas where smoking is banned.
Can you vape in Canada?
You are allowed to bring vaping products into Canada for personal use, but vaping in places where smoking is banned is strictly prohibited. This includes restaurants, in vehicles with a child under 15, in sheltered areas, and enclosed public places.
Can you vape in China?
Vaping is currently permitted in public in mainland in China, although this is expected to change in the near future. If you’re travelling to China after July 2024, we recommend double checking the current rules before your trip.
Can you vape in Costa Rica?
The use of e-cigarettes is legal as of July 2024, but Costa Rican authorities recently announced that e-cigarettes and other products containing synthetic nicotine will soon be prohibited. Until then, vaping is permitted in all designated areas.
Can you vape in Croatia?
E-cigarettes are legal in Croatia and vapers are permitted to use vaping devices in any areas where they can smoke. Vaping in public places is prohibited.
Can you vape in Cuba?
There are no specific laws on the use of nicotine vapes in Cuba. We recommend exercising caution when vaping in public and being considerate of differing attitudes towards vaping.
Can you vape in Cyprus?
E-cigarettes are legal in Cyprus, but vaping is not allowed in public areas. Vaping is also forbidden in private vehicles where a pregnant woman or a child under 18 years is present. Breaches of vaping rules are punishable by fines of up to €850.
Can you vape in Czech Republic?
E-cigarettes are legal in the Czech Republic. However, vaping is prohibited in public places. This includes hospitals, schools, shopping centres and public transport. Vaping is also forbidden in cars with children under the age of 18.
Can you vape in Denmark?
Vaping is allowed in Denmark. There are, however, restrictions on their use in public places. This includes public transport and schools.
Can you vape in Dominican Republic?
There are currently no specific electronic cigarette laws in the Dominican Republic. We recommend exercising caution when vaping in public and being considerate of differing attitudes towards vaping.
Can you vape in Dubai?
E-cigarettes are legal in Dubai, but vaping is prohibited in all public places including malls, restaurants, public transport, etc. When vaping in Dubai, it is best to stick to designated smoking areas.
Can you vape in El Salvador?
Vaping is legal in private residencies throughout El Salvador, but prohibited wherever tobacco products and tobacco derivatives are banned.
Can you vape in Egypt?
Vaping has recently become legal in Egypt, so the rules and regulations are currently unclear. We recommend vaping only in dedicated smoking areas and being mindful of differing attitudes towards vaping.
Can you vape in Estonia?
Vaping is permitted in designated smoking areas within Estonia. Only tobacco and menthol flavoured e-liquids are available to purchase in Estonia. If you prefer other flavour profiles, we recommend taking enough to last the duration of your trip.
Can you vape in Finland?
Vaping is allowed in designated smoking areas across Finland. The only legal vapes available to purchase in Finland are tobacco flavoured. If you prefer a different flavour profile, be sure to take enough with you to last the duration of your trip.
Can you vape in France?
E-cigarettes are legal in France, but there are some restrictions on where vaping is allowed. While vaping is legal in bars and restaurants, it is prohibited on public transport. We recommend sticking to designated smoking areas when vaping in France.
Can you vape in Germany?
Vaping is legal in Germany, but there are legal restrictions on vaping which vary from state to state. As a rule, vaping is permitted in areas where smoking is allowed. We recommend checking the regulations for your destination state before departing.
Can you vape in Greece?
E-cigarettes are legal in Greece with no restrictions on vaping in public places.
Can you vape in Honduras?
It is legal to vape in Honduras, but it is prohibited to vape in public or private spaces which are less than two metres away from gatherings or passings. There is also a ban on vaping in stadiums.
Can you vape in Hungary?
Vaping is legal in Hungary but prohibited in spaces where smoking is banned. Vapers who break these regulations may receive fines of up to $980.
Can you vape in Indonesia?
The use of e-cigarettes is legal in Indonesia, although the rules on vaping in public remain unclear. For this reason, we recommend sticking to designated smoking areas where vaping is not expressly permitted.
Can you vape in Ireland?
E-cigarettes are legal in Ireland and vaping is permitted in all areas where smoking is accepted.
Can you vape in Israel?
Vaping is legal in Israel and there are no specific regulations relating to e-cigarette use.
Can you vape in Italy?
Vaping is legal in most parts of Italy but prohibited in some public spaces. Though vaping is permitted in Rome, it is prohibited in the Vatican City. Vaping is also banned in the smoke-free regions of Veneto and Sardinia.
Can you vape in Japan?
Travellers are permitted to bring one month’s supply (up to 120ml of e-liquid and two vape devices) for personal use. We recommend taking as much as you need within this allowance as the sale e-cigarettes containing nicotine is illegal in Japan.
Can you vape in Latvia?
Vaping is legal in Latvia, although the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in some public areas and around children. You must also stop vaping near someone upon request by either an official representative or member of the public.
Can you vape in Lithuania?
Vaping is legal in Lithuania but is prohibited in areas where smoking is banned.
Can you vape in Maldives?
Vaping is legal in the Maldives, but there are legal restrictions for vaping in public places. The use of e-cigarettes is typically accepted in places where smoking is permitted.
Can you vape in Malta?
It’s legal to vape in Malta, although the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in vehicles where a child under 16 years is present and in places where smoking is banned.
Can you vape in Morocco?
There are currently no specific electronic cigarette laws in Morocco. We recommend exercising caution when vaping in public and being considerate of differing attitudes towards vaping.
Can you vape in Netherlands?
Vaping is legal in the Netherland, but there are some legal restrictions on vaping in public places. This includes a ban on vaping in non-smoking areas.
Can you vape in New Zealand?
Vaping is legal in New Zealand, but individual organisations can impose their own restrictions, meaning the rules of vaping vary depending on setting and location.
Can you vape in Norway?
E-cigarettes are legal in Norway, but vaping is prohibited in all places covered by Norway’s smoking ban. Unless vaping is expressly prohibited, we recommend sticking to designated smoking areas.
Can you vape in Paraguay?
Vaping is legal in Paraguay, but there are restrictions on the use of e-cigarettes in public places.
Can you vape in Peru?
There are currently no specific electronic cigarette laws in Peru. We recommend exercising caution when vaping in public and being considerate of differing attitudes towards vaping.
Can you vape in Philippines?
It is legal to use and buy e-cigarettes in the Philippines, but vaping is prohibited in public places.
Can you vape in Poland?
Vaping is legal in Poland and vapers are permitted to use electronic cigarettes wherever smoking is accepted. There are fines imposed for those who violate vaping restrictions.
Can you vape in Portugal?
Vaping is legal in Portugal, but the use of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes is not permitted in areas where smoking is also prohibited. This includes in public places and on public transportation.
Can you vape in Romania?
Vaping is legal and widely accepted in Romania. The only place where vaping is prohibited is on public transport.
Can you vape in Russia?
Although it is legal to use e-cigarettes in Russia, strict restrictions are imposed upon vaping in public places. This includes public transport, restaurants, and other shared spaces.
Can you vape in Slovenia?
Though e-cigarettes are legal in Slovenia, there are restrictions on vaping in public places. These restrictions apply to public transport and in vehicles where children under 18 years are present.
Can you vape in South Africa?
Vaping is widely accepted in South Africa, but there are plans to prohibit vaping in public places so double check the latest rules if travelling after July 2024.
Can you vape in South Korea?
Vaping is legal in South Korea but is prohibited in public places and on public transport. The use of e-cigarettes is permitted in designated smoking areas.
Can you vape in Spain?
Vaping is legal in Spain, but prohibited in indoor state-owned public places, on public transport and in some outdoor places.
Can you vape in Sweden?
E-cigarettes are legal in Sweden and can be used anywhere that smoking is permitted. There is a ban on vaping in public spaces.
Can you vape in Switzerland?
Vaping is legal and is permitted in designated smoking areas across Switzerland.
Can you vape in Ukraine?
Vaping is legal and is permitted in designated smoking areas across Ukraine. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited on public transport and in other public spaces.
Can you vape in United Arab Emirates (UAE)?
It is legal to vape in designated areas across the UAE. Vaping is banned in public spaces such as beaches, shopping malls and hospitals.
Can you vape in Vietnam?
Vaping is prohibited where smoking is banned. It is unclear whether licensed vape products can be purchased in Vietnam, so we recommend taking enough with you to last the duration of your trip.
Countries Where Vaping is Legal but Restricted
Here’s a list of the countries where vaping is legal with restrictions as of July 2024.
Can you vape in Australia?
Laws on vaping vary depending on the state so we recommend checking out the following guide to Australian vaping laws for more specific information.
Can you vape in Colombia?
The sale, manufacture and marketing of e-cigarettes is illegal, but it is legal to vape outside of enclosed public spaces. It is currently unclear whether vapes are permitted through customs.
Can you vape in Malaysia?
Nicotine-containing e-liquids are classified as a poison and are prohibited in Malaysia. It’s currently unclear whether nicotine vapes will be permitted through customs.
Can you vape in Tunisia?
Though vapes are available to purchase in Tunisia, it is not clear whether e-cigarettes are permitted through customs.
Can you vape in Turkey?
It is currently unclear whether vaping is permitted in Turkey. The Ministry of Health Circular states bans importation and sale of e-cigarettes, but other laws simply ban vaping in places where smoking is banned.
Can you vape in USA?
Regulations vary throughout different states of America.
Countries Where Vaping is Illegal
Vaping in these countries is illegal as of July 2024:
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- Argentina
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- India
- Jordan
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
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- Panama
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Suriname
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Uruguay
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What happens if you vape in a banned country?
Best case scenario, you could have your vape kit taken off you when going through security. Worst case, you could face fines or imprisonment.
Taking Vapes Abroad: A Recap
For the most part, countries across the world are becoming increasingly accepting of vapes. There are many countries where vaping is legal, compared to a small handful where vaping is illegal or restricted.
However, with vape rules frequently changing, we recommend checking electronic cigarette laws at your destination country before taking vapes abroad.
Please note that the information on this page is intended as a guide only. We strongly recommend you check the specific laws for the country you are travelling to before departing.