Vaping Laws by Country: Where Can You Vape Abroad?

If you're a UK vaper planning to travel, knowing the vaping laws in your destination is essential. The rules vary enormously — from countries that closely follow the EU's TPD (similar to UK rules) to countries where vaping is completely illegal and could land you a serious fine or worse. This guide covers the key destinations for UK travellers.

For UK vaping law specifically, see our UK Vape Laws hub.

Flying With a Vape: Universal Rules

Regardless of your destination, these aviation rules apply universally:

• Devices and batteries in hand luggage only — lithium batteries are prohibited in hold baggage on all commercial flights (IATA regulations)
• E-liquid can go in hold luggage — subject to your airline's liquid restrictions
• No vaping on any commercial flight — universally banned regardless of airline or route
• E-liquid in hand luggage follows the standard 100ml liquids rule in a transparent bag
• Check with your airline — some have specific rules about the number of spare batteries allowed

Europe

Most EU and European countries follow the EU Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which is very similar to the UK's TRPR. Your UK-compliant kit (20mg/ml max, 2ml tanks) will generally meet European legal requirements, though local use rules (where you can vape) vary by country.

Generally vaping-friendly EU destinations

• Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece: Vaping legal for adults; no indoor vaping in most public buildings; outdoor rules vary by venue
• Germany: Vaping legal; follows EU TPD rules
• Netherlands: Vaping legal but some restrictions on use in public spaces
• Ireland: Follows similar rules to the UK

Notable European restrictions

• Turkey: Vaping is technically legal but highly restricted — vaping products face heavy restrictions on sale and use. Check current status before travelling.

United States

In the USA, vaping regulations exist at federal, state and local levels — creating a patchwork of rules:

• Federal minimum age: 21 to purchase vaping products
• FDA regulations: Products must be authorised by the FDA (PMTA process) — many UK products haven't gone through this, so technically can't be sold legally in the US
• For travellers: Bringing your own vaping products for personal use is generally treated as permitted for adults
• State variations: Some states have additional restrictions on flavours, nicotine levels or use in public spaces
• No-vaping areas: Generally the same as no-smoking areas — bars, restaurants, offices and public transit typically ban vaping

Asia — High Risk Destinations

Vaping completely illegal

• Thailand: Vaping is illegal — import, sale and use prohibited. Tourists have been arrested and fined. Do not travel to Thailand with vaping products.
• Singapore: Vaping is illegal. Importing, purchasing, using or possessing a vaping device can result in fines up to SGD 2,000 for first offenders. Strict enforcement.
• India: The sale and import of e-cigarettes is banned under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019. Using an e-cigarette can result in a fine.
• Hong Kong: E-cigarettes containing nicotine are banned. Non-nicotine vapes fall into a grey area but are strongly inadvisable to bring.

Restricted but not fully banned

• Japan: Nicotine e-liquids are classified as medicines and cannot be sold without a pharmaceutical licence. You can bring a small amount for personal use but cannot buy locally.
• China: Vaping is technically legal but heavily regulated. Flavoured vapes are banned. Only tobacco-flavoured products from licensed Chinese manufacturers are permitted.
• Malaysia: Vaping regulations vary by state. Generally permitted for adults but check local rules.

Australia & New Zealand

Australia

Australia has some of the world's strictest vaping laws. Nicotine vaping products are classified as Schedule 4 prescription medicines. This means:

• You can only legally use nicotine vaping products with a prescription from a doctor
• You cannot buy nicotine e-liquid over the counter
• Travellers can bring a 3-month personal supply with a valid prescription
• Enforcement is increasing following major regulatory changes in 2023–2024

Non-nicotine vaping products exist in a regulatory grey area. Australia has also banned disposable vapes.

New Zealand

New Zealand has more liberal rules — vaping is legal for adults (18+) and follows a regulated framework similar to the UK. Flavoured products are permitted. Age verification is required for purchase.

Middle East

• UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Vaping is legal for adults. E-cigarettes are sold in licensed shops. Follow local use rules — no vaping in public buildings, government offices or near children.
• Saudi Arabia: Vaping products were legalised in 2019 and are regulated. Legal for adults but with restrictions on where you can vape.
• Qatar: Vaping is technically permitted but regulations are evolving. Check current status.
• Egypt: Vaping is in a legal grey area. E-cigarettes are not officially regulated but are widely available and used. Risk of confiscation exists.

Africa & Caribbean

• South Africa: Vaping is regulated under the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Act. Legal for adults with age restrictions.
• Jamaica, Barbados, most Caribbean: Generally permissive — vaping legal for adults, limited specific regulation.
• Check before you go: Many African and Caribbean nations have not yet enacted specific vaping legislation — this creates uncertainty rather than freedom.

Quick Reference Table

Frequently Asked Questions

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