Everything you need to know about taking your vape away with you.
In this article...
Holiday season is here! But, jetting off can come with some challenges for vapers. So, let’s take a deep dive into which destinations allow the use of ecigs as well as a few tips about vaping on holiday.
Vaping on holiday – What to take with you.
Before you take to the skies, you need to make sure you have everything you’ll need for the duration of the holiday.
Not every country is going to have the brands for sale that you use. In fact, some destinations have outright banned the sale of vaping products, even though it’s still legal to use them.
Here’s a handy checklist of vaping essentials to pack.
Spare Vape Coils / Vape Pods – Make sure that you pack all of the coils or pods that you need. Actually, pack extra just in case.
E-liquid – This is a given. You’ll need enough liquid to last you, plus enough in case you lose a bottle or two.
Prefilled Pod Kits– All the prep-work in the world can’t account for some issues. If your kit does break then a prefilled pod kit is a cheap and effective back-up. Also, if your a big puff vape user it’s always a good idea to have a spare device just in case.
Spare Batteries – Whether your kit uses removable batteries or an internal one, it’s always a good idea to take a spare.
Spare Tank & Glass – If you have a more traditional e-cigarette, it’s a good idea to take a spare tank and glass.
Charger & Cables – You’re going to need to charge your vape. A great idea is to take some spare cables with you, in case one fails.
Power Banks – Portable chargers are a fantastic idea for when you’re on holiday. Not just for your e-cig, they can top up any device that needs charging. Just make sure that you have the right cables with you and check the power output for compatibility.
Can I take my vape on a plane?
Absolutely! But, it’s important to note that airlines like you to store different vaping elements in different places.
The general consensus is that the device should be in your hand luggage along with any batteries. This includes prefilled pod kits. Most airlines allow 15-20 batteries to be carried in your hand luggage.
In terms of e-liquid, most airlines allow you to take it in your hand luggage. As long as bottles don’t exceed 100ml in total (they count towards your liquid allowance). The rest can be stored in your hold bags.
A great tip from our customer service advisor, Natasha, is to put your vape in a clear ziplock bag on the plane. Some airlines make you do this anyway, along with any liquids. But, if your vape does leak because of the change in pressure then it won’t end up all over your bag.
When you get to the airport, you might be looking forward to one last vape before you fly. But, some UK airports don’t have anywhere to vape after you’ve gone through security.
UK airports with NO departure lounge vaping.
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- East Midlands
- Edinburgh
- Exeter
- Glasgow Airport
- Leeds Bradford Airport
- London Gatwick
- London Southend
- London Stansted
- Luton
- Manchester (Terminal 3 Only)
- Southampton
UK airports with departure lounge vaping.
Can you vape on a plane?
Definitely not. We never recommend trying to break the rules for a sneaky vape when flying. If you’re on a long-haul flight then maybe try nicotine pouches such as Zyn while in the air.
Recommended Nicotine Pouches for Flying
Pablo
| Flavours | 28 |
| Strength | 30mg |
| Price | £3.95 |
| Multi Buy | 3 for £8 |
NicLeaf
| Flavours | 4 |
| Strength | 3 |
| Price | £4.99 |
| Multi Buy | 3 for £12 |
ZYN
| Flavours | 11 |
| Strength | 8 |
| Price | £6.50 |
| Multi Buy | 3 for £16.50 |
Vaping on Holiday around the world
Of course you want to take your vape on holiday. However, it’s important to check before you travel. In some countries vaping is heavily restricted, while in others it’s actually illegal. In these places you could have all of your e-cigs and liquid confiscated. Also, you could be fined or even arrested!
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular holiday destinations and see what vaping restrictions are in place.
Vaping in Spain
In Spain, vaping restrictions generally follow the same rules as smoking.
However, some exceptions exist. Vaping isn’t permitted in indoor public spaces, beaches, public transport, as well as children’s playgrounds.
It’s important to note that you cannot use vapes or smoke on many popular beaches as part of the countries ‘clean air zones’ . Fines for vaping in restricted areas can range from €30 up to €2000.
There are vape shops spread across Spain, especially in major cities. Also, since they’re in the EU, e-liquid and products follow similar TPD standards as the UK.
Travel Tips for Spain
You can take your vape to Spain for personal use but you must ensure to follow local laws about vaping in public areas and beaches.
Vaping in France
Again, since France is a member of the EU, its stance on vaping is generally positive. You can vape in most outside areas and in shisha bars.
There are plenty of vape shops spread across the country, if you do run out of supplies while you’re there.
Important to note, that nicotine pouches are now completely banned in France. If you are found to possess pouches by customs or local police you could face prosecution and a fine of up to €15,000.
Travel Tips for France
You can take your vape to France but ensure to leave nicotine pouches at home to avoid any issues.
Vaping in Italy
As Italy is another EU destination, it is a safe place to vape. You can purchase vape supplies from stores across the country.
There are only two places within the county that have strict vaping and smoking laws. Including the Vatican City, where it is forbidden to smoke or vape within the walls.
As well as Milan. The region enforces strict outdoor and indoor smoking rules, including all shared spaces such as streets and restaurant terraces. When vaping or smoking you must be at least 10 meters away from any other person.
Travel Tips for Italy
You can take your vape to Italy! But be sure to abide to the 20mg nicotine strength rule and avoid vaping in prohibited areas.
Vaping in Greece
Greece follows the same TPD regulations as the rest of the EU, however there is a few major differences.
Vapes that contain no nicotine are prohibited and so is buying e-liquid components. That means if you mix your own e-liquid, you’re going to have to take plenty with you.
Vaping is generally allowed in open public spaces but not in enclosed areas such as public transport, bars, and restaurants. Fines can range anywhere up to €500.
If you’re travelling with children and plan to hire a private vehicle. Please note that vaping in a car with a child under the age of 12 is illegal and carries a heavy fine of up to €1,500.
Unlike other European countries disposable vapes are not yet banned in the country and are widely available across the nation.
Travel Tips for Greece
You can take you vape into Greece, but you must ensure to follow the max 20mg nicotine rule.
For your transparency, if you’re planning on relying on vape shops out there, all e-liquids are subject to a €0.10 per milliliter (ml) charge. So products might be more expansive than you’re used to!
Vaping in Portugal
Vaping is legal in Portugal, and the country follows general TPD laws.
Public vaping and smoking in enclosed areas is strictly prohibited. This includes bars, restaurants, public transport, and around children. If you break this law you can face up to a €750 fine.
Travel Tips for Portugal
You can take your vape and supplies to Portugal! But be sure to follow laws around public vaping.
If you’re planning to stock up out there then please note the country applies extra tax to e-liquids. This is subject to a €0.351 per ml for e-liquids containing nicotine and €0.175 per ml of nicotine free.
Vaping in USA
Vaping in the United States of America is legal but regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Across the nation you must be 21 years old to purchase vape products.
Different states have their own rules and regulations. As a whole, the act of vaping is treated the same as smoking. As long as you’re outside then you should be fine.
Travel Tips for the USA
When travelling to America your e-cigarette products must be packed in your hand luggage. You can take no more than 20 batteries on board and e-liquids must not exceed 100ml.
Further, in the USA flavoured e-liquids and vapes are banned in the majority of states so if you enjoy a fruity flavour be sure to stock up for your travels.
Vaping in Thailand
Thailand has a complete ban on the sale, import, and possession of e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Carrying a vape, using one, or even having an empty pod in your bag can lead to a fine or arrest.
The law applies to all vapes whether prefilled or refillable. So before you travel make sure to remove vape products from your bags.
What happens if you get caught?
If you can get caught, you will get charged depending on what authorities think you’re intentions are.
| Offence | Fine | Prison |
| Possession or use | Up to 30,000 Baht (around £680) | Up to 1 year |
| Importing (carrying it through customs) | 4 x the good value + up to 30,000 Baht | Up to 10 years |
| Selling or suspected dealing | Up to 600,000 Baht (around £13,500) | Up to 3 years |
Travel Tips for Thailand
Most tourists caught with a single vape face between a 20,000 and 30,000 Baht fine that’s £450 to £680. So be sure to keep your vape at home and switch to an alternative, such as nicotine pouches.
Germany
Vaping is legal in Germany for adults over the age of 18. Again, in the EU vaping is fine wherever smoking is permitted.
It is prohibited to vape or smoke in enclosed public areas such as public transport, playgrounds, bars, and restraunts. So be sure to keep it in your pocket and head outdoors to enjoy.
There are plenty of vape shops across Germany and shortfill is a very popular choice for German vapers. There are even Totally Wicked stores across the country!
Travel Tips for Germany
When heading to Germany you can pack your own vape and required pods and e-liquids. Be sure to keep your vape in your hand luggage and once you’ve landed avoid vaping in enclosed public areas.
Australia
Australia is not vape friendly, and has some of strictest laws in the world. BUT you can take your own vape to enjoy on your travels!
It is illegal to buy vapes from convenience stores, vape shops, and online retailers.
Australian adults now have to purchase vapes from a pharmacy. You must provide ID and consult a pharmacist before the purchase.
Travel Tips for Australia
Despite the laws, as a traveler you can take your own vape goods into the country. According to the travelers exemption, the items must be for “personal therapeutic use”. This means for treatment, such as if you have quit smoking for ‘medical reasons’.
The permitted limit is 2 vapes, 20 pods/coils, and 200ml of e-liquid.
So be sure to stock up before you go as getting your hands on e-liquid or a vape out there will be difficult.
Canada
Canada is a safe vaping zone. The country follows similar laws to the UK under the Tobacco and Vaping Product Act. It sets the concentration at 20mg and restricts marketing appeal to youth.
While they allow the sale of vaping products and vaping in smoking permitted areas, some provinces have a higher age limit of 19+.
Stores across the country sell e-liquid and vaping products, so you can easily stock up on them if needed.
Travel Tips for Canada
You can take your vape to Canada but be sure to pack it in your hand luggage to avoid unwanted issues. It’s also important to note that the country has a max 20mg nicotine limit.
Turkey
Electronic cigarettes and e-liquid sales are forbidden in Turkey. However, it is legal to use and possess e-cigarettes in the country.
This makes it impossible for you to purchase products inside the country.
You must ensure to bring enough pods, e-liquid, and coils, for your entire stay.
Travel Tips for Turkey
The official limit for entering the country is 1 vape device, 30ml of e-liquids and up to 10 disposable alternatives. But our advice is to ensure you take enough and stick to the limit to avoid any issues.
Please note, you should avoid vaping in enclosed public areas.
United Arab Emirates
Vaping is legal in the United Arab Emirates, however there are a range of restrictions you should be aware of.
Such as you cannot vape in enclosed public spaces and can only use devices in designated public areas.
Further smoking and vaping are illegal in all public parks and public beaches in Dubai. Be aware, people have been fined as high as 2000 Dh (£430) for vaping in prohibited areas.
Travel Tips for United Arab Emirates
As a tourist you are permitted to bring vapes into the country for personal use and up to 100ml of e-liquid into the country.
Other holiday destinations
A general rule is that vaping is fine wherever smoking is. But, some countries take a very harsh stance. Always check the regulations about e-cigarette possession and use before you travel.
Countries with an outright ban on vaping:
- Africa
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Cambodia
- Colombia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Lebanon
- Mexico
- Panama
- Qatar
- Singapore
- Turkey
- Uruguay
- Vietnam
If you’re traveling to a country that isn’t on this list, the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction website is a great resource for checking out vaping laws and regulations.
Conclusion – Vaping on holiday
So, you’ve reached your destination and have made it to your hotel or villa. But, there are still some things to consider when vaping abroad.
The first thing to remember is that the sun is not your vapes friend. Heating up e-liquid causes it to thin and this means that there’s a greater chance of leaking. Batteries also don’t like extreme temperature change and may have their capacity effected. Always try to keep your kit out of direct sunlight.
If you’re renting a hire car while on holiday you need to check if they allow vaping in the vehicle. Vaping or smoking in rental cars that don’t allow it can invalidate your insurance.
That’s the end of our in depth vaping on holiday guide. Hopefully it was useful and keeps you out of any sticky situations abroad! If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our friendly customer service team.
