Vaping and Travelling - Vaping Abroad

Packing for a holiday? Don’t know whether you can take your vape with you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many vapers are unsure of the regulations around vaping and travelling. From Greece to Egypt, this article will take you through some of the most popular travel destinations, and the vaping regulations to take note of before jetting off. 

Can You Take Vapes On A Plane?

In the United Kingdom, you are not allowed to use your vape in any airport.1 You can, however, travel with vapes in your carry-on luggage.1 You are not permitted to store your vape in your checked luggage, which applies to both domestic and international flights.1 

When going through security, you must keep your vape in your carry-on luggage.1  Your vape juice needs to be less than 100 ml and stored in a clear plastic bag - just like any liquid stored in your carry-on luggage.1  

When taking your vape on the plane, remember that it’s strictly prohibited to smoke or vape on the aircraft.1  When in or around an airport, you may only vape in a dedicated smoking area, of which also allows for vaping.1

For airlines Aer Lingus, British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair and Virgin Atlantic, you can store vapes in your carry-on luggage but usage is strictly prohibited on the aeroplane.1   

As there are no universal regulations for the use of vapes in U.K. airports or airlines, we recommend contacting the airport or airline you are flying with as soon as possible for any compliance or security questions. 

How Many Vapes Can You Take On A Plane?

When it comes to the number of vapes or disposable vapes you can take on a plane, regulations differ depending on the airline. 

Keep in mind that all vapes and disposable vapes have a battery (some of which can be removed) and that there is a limit on how many batteries you can take on a flight. For example, British Airways has a limit of 15 lithium-ion batteries allowed in your carry-on luggage.3 For Ryanair, you’re allowed up to 20 lithium-ion batteries in your carry–on luggage.4 

E-cigarette tanks are restricted to a capacity of 2 ml, and the maximum volume of nicotine-containing e-liquid in one refill container is 10 ml.2 This being said, if any of your vape tanks or refill containers are above these capacities, they are not allowed in your carry-on luggage. 

If you have any inquiries about how many vapes you can take on a plane, we suggest calling the airline before your flight to double-check.  

Vaping Regulations in Popular Travel Destinations

There are no one-size-fits-all set of rules for vaping across the world. Therefore, it’s super important that you check which countries allow you to use vapes and which don’t. 

Regulations set by different countries are also subject to change, so make sure you always check before flying abroad. Let’s take a look at some popular travel destinations and their regulations on vaping. 

Spain

If you’re planning a holiday to Spain, you’re in luck because the restrictions around vaping are slightly more relaxed than other popular travel destinations. 

Can You Vape in Spain?

Vaping is legal in Spain, according to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, and was included in the Tobacco Law amendment of 2014.5  

Vaping Regulations in Spain

Under this 2014 amendment, vaping is permitted in ‘hosteleria’ establishments such as hotels. This includes indoor areas without outdoor facilities.6 However, note that vaping is not allowed on public transport such as aeroplanes, in public admin buildings, or in areas within nurseries, schools and hospitals.6

Mexico

When visiting Mexico, there are a few rules on vaping you need to be aware of. Let’s explore them in more detail. 

Can You Vape in Mexico?

According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, there are no restrictions on the use of vapes in Mexico.7 There are, however, strict restrictions on the purchase and selling of vapes in the country. 

Vaping Regulations in Mexico

Although you can vape in Mexico, the law states that the use of vapes is prohibited in all indoor public places, including public transport.8 

You are not allowed to purchase or sell vapes in Mexico. This decree was issued by the President under the General Law on Tobacco Control (article 16) and prohibits the sale and trade of e-cigarettes.7

Thailand

Before travelling to Thailand, remember that the country has extremely strict laws on vaping. Let’s take a closer look at the restrictions in Thailand below. 

Can You Vape in Thailand?

No, vaping is illegal in Thailand.9 With very strict laws around vaping, Thailand is one of the few countries where citizens and tourists are not allowed to vape. 

Vaping Regulations in Thailand

The ban on vapes was implemented in 2014 by the Thai government and all violators are at risk of hefty fines and even imprisonment.9 The Royal Thai Embassy of London recommends that you do not travel with vapes or equipment associated with vapes, such as e-liquids, to and from Thailand.9 

Morocco

There is very limited information on vaping regulations in Morocco, therefore, we advise that you take caution when travelling to the country with your vape. 

Can You Vape in Morocco?

According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, there are no specific laws regarding vaping in Morocco.14  

Vaping Regulations in Morocco

Evidence from the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction states that vaping devices are allowed to be imported and sold in the country, as well as purchased without a prescription.14 Moreover, their evidence also states that there are no legal restrictions on the use of vapes in public places.14  

Singapore

If you’re travelling to Singapore anytime soon, take note that the rules around vaping in the country are strict. 

Can You Vape in Singapore?

You are not allowed to vape in Singapore. There are also restrictions on the sale and purchase of vapes in the country. 

Vaping Regulations in Singapore

As stated by the Ministry of Health in Singapore, vaping is illegal.10 In addition, the trade and sale of vapes is also prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisement and Sale) Act, and violators could face fines and imprisonment.10

Greece

When flying out to Greece, enjoy peace of mind knowing that you can take your vape along for the trip! 

Can You Vape in Greece?

The rules around vaping in the country are relatively relaxed, so yes, you can vape in Greece.11 

Vaping Regulations in Greece

There are currently no restrictions on the use of vapes in public spaces.11 Abiding by the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) of 2014, vaping is permitted anywhere smoking tobacco cigarettes is allowed.11  

Egypt

According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, vaping has been banned In Egypt since 2011.12 However, there is evidence that suggests the ban was lifted last year. 

Can You Vape in Egypt?

As mentioned above, vaping was banned in Egypt in 2011 yet according to the Africa Harm  Reduction Alliance, the ban on vaping was lifted in 2022.13

Vaping Regulations in Egypt

It was the Ministry of Health in Egypt and the Technical Committee of Drugs who banned vaping in 2011, which included the sale and trade of vapes in the country.12 

Before travelling to any destination outside of the United Kingdom, we recommend that you contact the relevant airline or authorities to confirm if vapes and vape products are allowed. 

These regulations were applicable at the time of publication and are subject to change. 

Sources:

  1. Gatwick Airport Guide, ‘Travelling with E-cigarettes’ - https://www.gatwick-airport-guide.co.uk/e-cigarettes.html 
  2. GOV.UK, ‘E-cigarettes: regulations for consumer products’  - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/e-cigarettes-regulations-for-consumer-products 
  3. British Airways, ‘Restricted and prohibited Items’ - https://www.britishairways.com/jba/ba/fi_FI/baggage/banned_baggag.html 
  4. Ryanair, ‘General terms and conditions of carriage’  - https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/help-centre/terms-and-conditions/termsandconditionsar_696869348#:~:text=8.4.1%20You%20can%20take,bag%20in%20the%20overhead%20locker  
  5. Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, ‘Smoking, vaping, HTP, NRT, and snus in Spain’ - https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/esp/ 
  6. Citizens Advice Bureau Spain, ‘Vaping/Electronic Cigarettes - What are the rules?’ - https://www.citizensadvice.org.es/faq/vaping-electronic-cigarettes-what-are-the-rules/ 
  7. Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, ‘Smoking, vaping, HTP, NRT, and snus in Mexico’ - https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/mex/ 
  8. Tobacco Control Laws, ‘Legislation by country: Mexico’ - https://www.tobaccocontrollaws.org/legislation/mexico/e-cigarettes 
  9. Royal Thai Embassy of London, ‘Prohibition of e-cigarettes’ - https://london.thaiembassy.org/en/publicservice/86207-prohibition-of-e-cigarettes?page=5d6636ce15e39c3bd000734d&menu=5d6636cd15e39c3bd00072e2 
  10. Ministry of Health Singapore, ‘FAQs on e-cigarettes, vaporisers and heat-not-burn tobacco products’ - https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/faqs-on-e-cigarettes-vaporisers-and-heat-not-burn-tobacco-products
  11. Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, ‘Smoking, vaping, HTP, NRT, and snus in Greece’ - https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/grc/#:~:text=Greece%20 abides%20by%20the%20 EU,is%20not%20effective%20in%20practice  
  12. Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, ‘Smoking, vaping, HTP, NRT, and snus in Egypt’ - https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/egy/  
  13. Africa Harm Reduction Alliance, ‘Egypt lifts ban on e-cigarettes’ - https://ahra.info/egypt-lifts-ban-on-e-cigarettes/ 
  14. Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, ‘Smoking, vaping, HTP, NRT, and snus in Morocco’ - https://gsthr.org/countries/profile/mar/