Which countries can I vape in?

Travelling this Summer? Then find out where you can vape and where you definitely cant!

When it comes to vaping we are lucky in the UK as common sense (aside from TPD ) has prevailed. For those in many other countries Vaping is either restricted or out-right banned

So if you are travelling abroad this year (2018) and want to know what countries have restrictions around vaping then continue reading.

Please note that although we have tried to present an accurate guide to vaping regulations in various countries, these are subject to change and you should always double check before you travel

Europe

Most European countries still allow vaping, although increasingly heavy taxation is becoming more common which can make buying vaping supplies while on holiday more expensive. Most EU members adopted the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) from 2017 and this makes their general approach to vaping roughly similar to that of the UK.

Some EU countries have added their own additional laws that you need to be mindful of though.

Vaping in the UK

Status: Allowed

Details: Where better place to start than our own green and pleasant land. The UK is very much pro vaping and is one of the most progressive countries in the world in their views to e-cigarettes. Generally vaping is permitted anywhere smoking is allowed and vape stores can be found in virtually every town and city if you need to stock up on supplies.

Vaping in France

Status: Allowed

Details: France is vying with the UK for the highest number of vapers in Europe and as with the UK you can vape safely wherever smoking is allowed. New laws were passed in 2016 prohibiting vaping on public transport or in areas where children are present. If you’re in any doubt ask someone who looks local!

Vaping in Holland

Status: Allowed

Details: As with the majority of EU member states they have adopted the TPD and therefore vaping is allowed with similar restrictions to the UK. You can purchase vape supplies easily and restrictions on vaping in public are largely permitted in areas where you can smoke.

Vaping in Germany

Status: Allowed

Details: As with the majority of EU member states they have adopted the TPD and therefore vaping is allowed with similar restrictions to the UK. You can purchase vape supplies easily and restrictions on vaping in public are largely permitted in areas where you can smoke.

Vaping in Italy

Status: Allowed

Details: Italy has a large number of vapers but has also introduced some nasty new tax laws at the end of 2017 which makes vaping more expensive than smoking. Even more new taxes are planned that may kill off the industry in Italy altogether. Vaping is permitted anywhere you can smoke but getting supplies locally may get trickier as vape shops start to shut up shop.

Vaping in Greece

Status: Allowed

Details: Ecigs are legal in Greece with vaping permitted anywhere smoking is allowed. Buying supplies should be relatively easy in major cities and towns but will be more difficult if you are visiting the Greek Islands.

Vaping in Turkey

Status: Banned

Details: Vaping in Turkey is ‘technically’ banned. However, many UK holidaymakers have reported being able to vape freely whilst visiting. If you plan on going and packing your device, do so with caution and do your own research before leaving.

Vaping in Spain

Status: Allowed

Details: As an EU member their vaping laws largely mirror the UK’s. Vaping is allowed in areas where you can smoke but there is now a total ban on smoking in all bars, restaurants and workplaces.

Vaping in Portugal

Status: Allowed

Details: Portugal is following the example of Italy in heavily taxing vaping products so if you do plan to visit take your own e-liquids. Smoking/Vaping bans in bars, clubs and restaurants are not yet in place but are planned so double check the status before visiting.

Vaping in Croatia

Status: Allowed

Details: E-cigarettes are classed tobacco products by law so are treated in the same way. Vaping in all public enclosed areas is banned. If you need to stock up on supplies whilst visiting then you’re well catered for in tourist hot spots.

Vaping in the Netherlands

Status: Allowed

Details: As you would expect the Dutch attitude is fairly liberal towards vaping. E-cigs are legal to buy and use and buying supplies whilst visiting shouldn’t present any issues.

Vaping in Ireland

Status: Allowed

Details: It is legal to buy and use e-cigs in Ireland and vape shops are plentiful. Ireland, like the Dutch, takes a fairly liberal approach to vaping and at the time of writing there are no plans to change this approach.

Vaping in Russia

Status: Allowed

Details: Not an EU member state and therefore not subject to the TPD regulations. Vaping is currently unregulated which has allowed a thriving market including vape shops and cafes to develop. Some major cities are looking at classing e-cigarettes as a tobacco product which would mean new laws to govern their use. If you plan on visiting during 2018 check what the current status is.

Vaping in Denmark

Status: Allowed

Details: Until recently vaping products were classed as medical supplies and were therefore banned from general sale. Happily, the introduction of the TPD pushed the Danes in line with the rest of Europe, legalising the products and making them available to the consumer. Vaping is permitted in public places but don’t expect that many vape shops as the industry is only starting to establish itself.

Vaping in Sweden

Status: Allowed (Potential to Change)

Details: Sweden, like Denmark, had classed e-cigarettes as medical products meaning they were banned from sale to the consumer. This was overturned in 2016 allowing for their free sale which opened up the market. Despite being in the EU, Sweden has not passed the TPD into law which means that vaping products have no regulation. This will soon change but it’s not clear which way the country will go. If you plan on travelling to Sweden in 2018 and want to vape do your homework first.

Vaping in Finland

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping products are classified in the same way as cigarettes so the same rules apply. Wherever smoking is banned so is vaping.

Vaping in Norway

Status: Permitted with Limitations

Details: Vaping is permitted, however, the sale of nicotine-containing products is not. Norwegians can buy vaping products abroad but only if they can prove it is to help them quit smoking. If you’re travelling to Norway then the rules are equally woolly. If you plan on staying for a while then you’ll require a doctor’s note to show that your vaping to help quit smoking. Without this, your device and liquids may be confiscated. If you’re making a shorter trip then you shouldn’t have any issues.

Vaping in Hungary

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is allowed wherever smoking is permitted but this is another country that has gone down the heavy taxation route. You can buy supplies in Hungary but expect to pay above the odds for liquids.

Vaping in Malta

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is common in Malta and it’s easy to get hold of supplies should you need them. E-Cigarettes are classed as tobacco products and therefore the same rules should apply.

Vaping in Belgium

Status: Allowed

Details: Surprisingly for a country that has been considered ‘smoker friendly,’ their vaping laws are pretty tough. E-cigarettes were only legalised as a consumer product in 2016 and they are classed as a tobacco product so get hit with the same restrictions as smoking. Vape shops exist but mainly in larger towns and cities.

Vaping in Austria

Status: Allowed

Details: One of the more liberal countries in their approach to vaping. There are few restrictions on where you can vape and it is permitted indoors, although it’s always worth checking with a member of staff first. The vape market is pretty strong and you should have no problems buying supplies whilst visiting.

Vaping in the Czech Republic

Status: Allowed

Details: Another great place to visit for vapers. Ecigs can be purchased and used pretty much anywhere.

Vaping in Poland

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is allowed but only where smoking is permitted. Vaping indoors is banned as are certain public places such as bus stops.

Asia

Unlike Europe where the approach to vaping is relatively consistent, Asia is very much the opposite. Laws vary from outright bans to no regulation at all so if you’re travelling through the area check the local laws of each country you’ll be passing through.

Vaping in China

Status: Allowed

Details: China is the country that invented e-cigarettes and it still produces around 90% of the entire worlds vapour products. Vaping laws tend to vary from region to region but e-cigarettes are permitted throughout China so just check on any regional variations before you visit.

Vaping in Japan

Status: Allowed with Limitations

Details: Vaping is permitted but using e-liquids that contain nicotine are not. Any juice with nicotine is considered to be an unlicensed medical product.

Vaping in Hong Kong

Status: Allowed with Limitations

Details: In Hong Kong nicotine is classed as a poison so any e-liquids containing it are banned and their usage is considered a criminal offence. There are plans to ban vaping totally so if you plan on travelling to Hong Kong make sure you check the current status.

Vaping in Singapore

Status: Banned

Details: All vaping products are illegal to buy, sell or use. Even having a device in your luggage could land you in hot water with customs.

Vaping in Thailand

Status: Banned

Details: The maximum penalty for vaping is ten years in prison. If you look at travel forums many people report being able to vape in public without any issues, however, it’s not something we suggest risking.

Vaping in South Korea

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping products are regulated as a tobacco product and so the same restrictions apply to vaping as do to smoking. You can purchase vaping products fairly easily but they are heavily taxed and therefore expensive.

Vaping in India

Status: Allowed (Potential to Change)

Details: The situation in India is complicated and liable to change during 2018. Currently, vaping rules are governed at a state level and Jammu, Kashmir, Karnataka, Punjab, Maharashtra and Kerala have banned the sale of vape products. Tourists using e-cigs still seem to be tolerated but a nationwide ban looks to be on the horizon.

Vaping in Malaysia

Status: Allowed

Details: Another country where state and national laws conflict. There is no national ban on ecigs but several states prohibit the sale of vape products. There seems to be no issue for tourists bringing e-cigarettes into the country but it’s highly advisable to check local state laws before travelling.

Vaping in the Philippines

Status: Allowed (Potential to Change)

Details: Vaping is currently permitted although a ban on smoking in public areas may be extended to cover e-cigarettes in the near future.

Vaping in Vietnam

Status: Banned

Details: The use and sale of e-cigarettes and vaping accessories are illegal.

Vaping in Indonesia

Status: Banned

Details: Another country with a straight ban. However, many people on travel forums have indicated the government do not enforce the ban with ecigs being openly sold in tourist areas.

Oceania

Another continent of contrasts with Australia veering towards a total ban and New Zealand embracing vaping.

Vaping in Australia

Status: Allowed with Big Limitations

Details: Vaping is not banned but using e-liquids that contain nicotine is. Purchasing e-cigarettes is banned in some states but legal in others. Overall it’s fairly confusing picture but for people who vape juices with nicotine then Oz is not a great country to visit.

Vaping in New Zealand

Status: Allowed

Details: Unlike their neighbours, New Zealand has a far more progressive attitude to vaping that is more in line with the UK. Towards the end of 2017, the New Zealand Health Ministry endorsed ecigs as a harm reduction and smoking cessation tool . New Zealand has few restrictions on vapers and vape shops are plentiful if you need to stock up on supplies.

Vaping in Fiji

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is permitted and they have a number of vape shops should you run out of the essentials.

North America

Generally, North America is vaper friendly with most countries classing e-cigarettes as tobacco products and therefore applying the same restrictions.

Vaping in the USA

Status: Allowed

Details: Another country that doesn’t like to make life easy for vapers with each individual state setting their own laws. Generally vaping is allowed with the variation coming in the form of where you are allowed to vape. A number of states have total bans on vaping indoors, some leave it to the discretion of the business owner and some simply have no bans.

Vaping in Canada

Status: Allowed

Details: Canada has no restrictions on vaping and it is 100% legal throughout the country. There are some regional differences regarding where you are allowed to vape so check before pulling out your device. Vape shops are also plentiful.

Vaping in Mexico

Status: Allowed with Limitations

Details: Vaping is legal in Mexico, however under federal law, you can not sell, trade, promote, distribute or produce any vape related products. Unbelievably, e-cigarettes are governed by a law first introduced to regulate the sale of candy cigarettes. There is no law against taking your ecig with you when you visit Mexico but there have been reports of devices being confiscated by customs.

Vaping in Cuba

Status: Unclear

Details: Vaping is legal and you can travel to Cuba with your device and liquids. Smoking is generally still permitted pretty much everywhere, as is vaping. The confusion arises with trying to leave as a large number of people have had devices confiscated by customs officials. There is no legal basis for this under Cuban law but if you are planning to travel take a device with you don’t mind leaving behind.

Vaping in Puerto Rico

Status: Allowed

Details: E-cigarettes are classed as a tobacco product and so the same rules apply to vaping as they do to smoking. There is a ban on smoking/vaping in indoor public spaces plus any outdoor terrace with more than one member of staff.

Vaping in Costa Rica

Status: Allowed

Details: Another country where ecigs are regulated as tobacco products so the same rules apply. You can take your own devices and liquids into the country and use them where smoking is permitted.

Vaping in Jamaica

Status: Allowed

Details: Classed as a tobacco product therefore vaping is only allowed where smoking is permitted. There is also a ban on imports with many people having devices confiscated when trying to enter the country.

Vaping in the Bahamas

Status: Allowed

Details: It’s difficult to get a 100% clear picture but vaping appears to be unregulated with little limitations placed on vapers. There are vape suppliers on the island and you are free to take your own device with you.

Vaping in Panama

Status: Allowed

Details: Classed as a tobacco product and therefore vaping is only allowed where smoking is permitted. Smoking is banned in all public spaces including outside terraces of bars and restaurants.

South America

One of the less vape friendly parts of the world with several major tourist favourites being very much anti-vaping. Outright bans exist across much of the continent and where bans don’t exist the laws are unclear.

Vaping in Brazil

Status: Banned

Details: A total ban exists in Brazil meaning you can’t buy, sell or use e-cigarettes.

Vaping in Argentina

Status: Banned

Details: Vaping is illegal throughout the country.

Vaping in Colombia

Status: Unclear

Details: There was a total ban in Columbia but this appears to have been lifted. The picture is a little foggy here so if you are planning to visit take a device that you’re happy to leave behind if needed. Kind of ironic seeing as what their biggest unofficial export product is!

Vaping in Peru

Status: Unclear

Details: It’s not totally clear but many travel forums have users reporting they have used their ecigs freely and purchased supplies whilst visiting the country. This doesn’t mean it is legal, it may simply be authorities turning a blind eye so proceed with caution.

Vaping in Venezuela

Status: Banned

Details: Vaping is illegal throughout the country.

Vaping in Chile

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is legal and treated much the same as smoking. No smoking/vaping is permitted in indoor public buildings unless permission has been explicitly given.

Africa

Of all the continents we’ve looked as Africa is perhaps the hardest to get clear information on. If you plan on visiting Africa we suggest taking devices and liquids that are fairly inexpensive as there is a chance they could be confiscated.

Vaping in South Africa

Status: Permitted with Limitations

Details: E-cigarettes are legal but e-liquids that contain Nicotine are prohibited. Users of travel forums report shops selling nicotine e-liquids are common but keep in mind that by purchasing and using them you will be breaking local laws.

Vaping in Morocco

Status: Unclear

Details: At the time of writing (Jan 2018) no known regulations seem to exist that cover vaping. The major cities and tourist hot spots have vape shops and there are no current issues taking you device and liquids with you when travelling to Morocco.

Vaping in Egypt

Status: Allowed with Limitations

Details: Ecigs are legal but vaping in public is not. Users of travel forums report no issues vaping in the main tourist areas but it’s worth checking with your hotel/resort staff about local laws.

Vaping in Tunisia

Status: Unclear

Details: Currently, the National Board of Tobacco and Matches (RNTA) is the only body permitted to sell vape products in Tunisia. This gives the government a monopoly on the sale of vape products and also heavily limits supply and options. Vape shops do exist but they have been known to be raided and closed down by authorities. The laws on carrying your device and liquids into the country aren’t clear but if you plan on trying we recommend not taking anything of value in case it is confiscated.

Vaping in Kenya

Status: Allowed

Details: E-cigarette usage is legal with few restrictions.

Vaping in Madagascar

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is regulated by the same laws as smoking and therefore you are permitted to vape in the same areas you can smoke.

Vaping in Mauritius

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is legal with few restrictions.

Vaping in Zambia

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is regulated by the same laws as smoking and therefore you are permitted to vape in the same areas you can smoke.

Vaping in Ethiopia

Status: Allowed

Details: E-cigarettes are legal but vaping is not allowed in public.

Uganda

Status: Banned

Details: E-cigarettes have been banned since 2016.

Vaping in Tanzania/Zanzibar

Status: Unclear

Details: There is no information available on the laws for Tanzania, however, users of travel forums report no issues. Taking and using your device should be done so with caution and it’s not recommended to travel with anything of value.

Vaping in Nigeria

Status: Allowed with Limitations

Details: It is not 100% clear but vaping does seem to be permitted but not in public.

Vaping in Ghana

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is regulated by the same laws as smoking and therefore you are permitted to vape in the same areas you can smoke.

Vaping in Botswana

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is legal with few restrictions.

Vaping in Swaziland

Status: Allowed

Details: Vaping is regulated by the same laws as smoking and therefore you are permitted to vape in the same areas you can smoke.