Vape Travelling Rules You Should Know In 2024
The holiday season is coming quickly, and many vapers are planning to escape to far-away destinations. If you’re committing to your holiday this year with a long-haul trip, you might be wondering if you can bring your vape. This guide explores the rules for vaping in some of the most popular and recommended long-haul destinations in 2024, according to TUI and The Times.
General Tips for Traveling with a Vape
- Research Local Laws: Before traveling, ensure you understand the vaping laws of your destination. Check the vaping laws well in advance to avoid any surprises.
- Pack Enough Supplies: Bring enough e-liquids and spare parts for your trip, considering potential delays. Pack extra supplies to be prepared for any delays or issues.
- Carry a Backup Plan: Carry a backup nicotine delivery method, such as patches or gum, in case of emergencies or no-vaping scenarios.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in vaping regulations at your destination. Regulations vary by country, so stay informed about the specific rules of your destination.
- Pack Smart: Pack your vape devices and e-liquids in your carry-on luggage. Avoid carrying expensive or irreplaceable vape kits to prevent loss or confiscation.
- Respect Local Regulations: Adhere to local smoking and vaping regulations to avoid fines or legal issues during your trip.
Airline and Airport Policies on Vaping
Understanding both airline policies and airport regulations is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure compliance with local laws.
- No Vaping on Flights: Vaping is strictly prohibited on all commercial flights.
- Carry-On Compliance: Ensure your vape devices and e-liquids comply with carry-on regulations.
- Check Airline Policies: Verify specific rules regarding vape devices and accessories for each airline.
- Legal Consequences: Vaping on a plane can lead to legal consequences, including arrest upon landing.
- Designated Areas: Most airports treat vaping like smoking, limiting it to designated areas. Some airports may have specific vaping lounges; check in advance.
- Airport Rules: Contact the airport directly for the latest regulations.
- Carry-On Only: Place vape kits and e-liquids in your carry-on luggage; they are prohibited in checked luggage.
- E-Liquid Limit: E-liquids must be in containers of no more than 100ml and stored in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
- Battery Safety: Remove external batteries and keep them separate in your carry-on bag in a battery case or sleeve.
- In-Flight Regulations: Vaping is not permitted on most airlines; ensure your device remains powered off during the flight.
Vaping and Travel Guide
- Travel Considerations: Learn the essentials of taking vapes on planes, through airports, and how vaping might affect your insurance.
- Vaping Regulations: Most European nations have liberal vaping laws, making them more accessible for vapers. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) significantly influences vaping policies worldwide, leading to varying regulations. Some countries impose strict restrictions or bans on vaping, influenced by the WHO’s stance.
Tips for Safe Vaping Abroad
- Pack Smart: Bring enough supplies for your trip and consider carrying a backup nicotine delivery method.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with any changes in vaping regulations in your travel destination.
- Respect Regulations: Adhere to the rules of airports and airlines regarding vaping devices and e-liquids.
- Avoid Expensive Vape Kits: Travel with inexpensive or disposable vapes to avoid damage or loss. Expensive kits are more susceptible to breakage or confiscation.
- Pack a Backup: Plan for no-vaping scenarios by bringing nicotine patches or gum. Ensure backup nicotine delivery systems are available in your destination country.
Vaping Around the World
- UK: About 6% of adults (2.7 million people) are regular vapers. The UK promotes vaping over smoking with support from health charities and the NHS. Strict regulations on manufacturing and sales ensure safety and quality.
- Global Vaping Regulations: Vaping regulations vary widely across countries. Some countries have bans or severe restrictions, while others are more lenient. Always research the specific laws of your destination.
International Vaping Rules By Country
America
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in most areas with age restrictions.
Restrictions: Online sales of vaping products are banned; vaping is banned where children gather.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased with retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 21.
Australia
Allowed: Nicotine vapes are allowed with a prescription.
Restrictions: Importation of nicotine e-liquid is allowed with a prescription; restrictions on use in public places.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from pharmacies with a prescription.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Canada
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is banned in public places where smoking is prohibited, such as workplaces, public transport, and certain outdoor spaces.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from authorised retailers, both online and offline.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18, but this can vary by province (e.g., 19 in British Columbia and Nova Scotia).
China
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is banned in public places and transport; flavoured e-liquids are restricted.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from authorised retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Cuba
Allowed: Vaping is generally allowed.
Restrictions: No significant restrictions, but regulations may vary.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased without restrictions.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Egypt
Allowed: Vaping is officially illegal in Egypt; however, vape shops do exist in some areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is prohibited in public places, and the import and distribution of e-cigarettes are banned.
Purchase: Despite the official ban, some local vape shops operate, allowing for the purchase of vaping products.
Age Requirement: No official age requirement due to the ban on vaping products, but local shops may enforce their own age restrictions.
France
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in most public places.
Restrictions: Vaping is restricted in certain public places such as schools, enclosed workspaces, and public transportation.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from both online and offline retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Germany
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in most public places.
Restrictions: Vaping is banned in certain public places, such as public transport and places frequented by children.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from authorised retailers, both online and offline.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Greece
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in areas where smoking is permitted.
Restrictions: Vaping products cannot be purchased by mail order; some restrictions on vaping in public places.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from offline retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
India
Allowed: Vaping is banned.
Restrictions: Sale, purchase, and use of e-cigarettes are prohibited.
Purchase: Vapes cannot be purchased legally.
Age Requirement: Not applicable due to the ban.
Italy
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is restricted in certain public places such as schools and hospitals.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from authorised retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Jamaica
Allowed: Vaping is generally allowed.
Restrictions: No significant restrictions, but regulations may vary.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased without restrictions.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Japan
Allowed: Nicotine-free vapes are allowed.
Restrictions: Nicotine-containing e-liquids are banned; vaping restricted in some public places.
Purchase: Nicotine-free vapes can be purchased from retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 20.
Mexico
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is restricted in public places; online sales are banned.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from offline retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
New Zealand
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is banned in enclosed public places, such as workplaces, public transport, and certain outdoor spaces.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from authorised retailers, both online and offline.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Portugal
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in most public places.
Restrictions: Vaping is banned in certain public places, such as schools, hospitals, and public transportation.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from authorised retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
South Africa
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is banned in certain public places, such as public transport and workplaces.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from authorised retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Spain
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is banned in indoor state-owned public places, public transport, and some outdoor areas like parks. Advertising restrictions apply.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from offline retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Sweden
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is restricted in public places where smoking is banned, such as workplaces and public transport.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from authorised retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Thailand
Allowed: Vaping is banned.
Restrictions: Sale, purchase, and use of e-cigarettes are prohibited.
Purchase: Vapes cannot be purchased legally.
Age Requirement: Not applicable due to the ban.
Turkey
Allowed: Vaping is generally not allowed; vaping devices are legal but not widely available.
Restrictions: Import, sale, and advertising of vaping products are restricted; vaping is banned in public places.
Purchase: Vapes can be difficult to purchase due to regulatory restrictions.
Age Requirement: Not specifically regulated due to the general ban.
United Arab Emirates (UAE: Dubai/Qatar/Abu Dhabi, etc.)
Allowed: Vaping is allowed in designated areas.
Restrictions: Vaping is restricted in public places and prohibited in some areas.
Purchase: Vapes can be purchased from authorised retailers.
Age Requirement: Minimum age of sale is 18.
Conclusion: Vape Safe & Travel Smart
Before your flight, cruise, train, or coach takes off, it’s crucial to verify if it’s legal to vape and to bring vape products into your destination country. You can check individual country information on the Tobacco Control Laws website.
Traveling vapers need to be aware of vaping laws and plan accordingly. This means packing a backup nicotine delivery system and enough vape juice for your journey.
Laws regarding vaping are continually evolving, with new legislation frequently proposed and implemented. As a responsible vaper, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and travel smart.
We hope you enjoy your holiday and get to vape on the beach at sunset!
FAQs
Can you take a vape on a plane?
Yes, but it must be packed in your carry-on luggage. Vapes are not allowed in checked luggage due to safety concerns related to lithium batteries.
Can you take e-liquids on a plane?
Yes, e-liquids are allowed in carry-on luggage, subject to the TSA’s liquid regulations. Each container must hold no more than 100ml and must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
Do I need to empty my tank before flying?
It’s recommended to prevent leaks due to changes in air pressure during flight, but not required.
How do you take a disposable vape on a plane?
Disposable vapes are allowed in carry-on luggage, following the same regulations as other vape devices. They must not be packed in checked luggage.
Can I fly with rebuildables (RDA / RTA)?
Yes, but it’s advisable to carry simpler, less customisable devices to avoid scrutiny at security checkpoints. Ensure any tools used for rebuilding are packed in checked luggage.
What’s the best vape kit to travel with?
For travel, compact and leak-resistant devices like pod systems or disposables are recommended.
Countries that have banned vaping
Many countries, especially in Asia and the Middle East, have banned or restricted vaping. Research and respect local laws before traveling.
How do I buy vape kits and e-liquids abroad?
Check local regulations before attempting to buy vape products abroad. Licensed tobacconists or specialty shops may carry products, but restrictions may apply.
Bringing e-liquids back to the UK
Ensure e-liquids comply with UK regulations, including nicotine strength limits. Buy enough supplies for personal use abroad to avoid legal issues upon return.
