Last week Australia banned vaping in recreational places as part of a major public health move. It came weeks after Spain introduced a smoking ban on 28 popular beaches in the hit holiday destination.
And, with the summer rapidly approaching, thousands of Brits will be preparing to jet off on their summer vacations. But, before you pack your vape in your bag, or tuck the tobacco back in its pouch, its worth knowing the rules about taking your device with you before you travel.
This will stop you from being fined or, worse, detained when you arrive at your destination. With this complex set of rules in mind, vape expert Markus Lindblad from vape retailer Northerner UK, has revealed all you need to know, to avoid landing yourself in hot water.
Vapes on a plane
In most cases you can take your vape or e-cig on a plane, however, you cannot use it on the aircraft, and can only vape in designated smoking areas in UK airports. As vape devices contain lithium batteries they are considered a fire hazard, so must be within reach at all times, and cabin crew should be alerted should the device start to smoke or smoulder. While vaping and smoking is not allowed, nicotine pouches are perfectly fine to use to help kick the craving.
Which countries have the strictest vape laws
There are some countries that have put a complete ban on vapes, including Argentina, Brazil, North Korea, Nepal, Qatar, Mexico, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and ten others. In fact, if you are caught with a vape in Qatar you could be faced with a £2,000 fine or a maximum of three months in prison. Overall, Thailand has perhaps the strictest laws with a potential jail sentence of up to five years depending on the offence.
Which countries allow vapes but have other restrictions?
Some countries allow vaping in some form but have varying rules on usage. For example, in Germany, vapes are legal apart from in the state of Hessen. In Singapore you cannot bring vapes into the country and will be stopped at customs.
In Spain, 28 Spanish beaches have introduced a smoking ban which if broken can result in fines of up to €2,000 (£1,700). To avoid these serious fines, other options such as nicotine pouches are best. In Turkey, it is illegal to purchase an e-cigarette in the country but you are free to use vapes brought into the country with you on holiday.
Where is vaping legal?
There are plenty of countries where vaping is legal and in the majority of these countries, vaping laws are the same as smoking laws. For example, many countries prohibit vaping and smoking in public spaces and on public transport. Some of the most popular holiday destinations where vaping is legal include France, Italy, Cyprus, Portugal, Ireland, Egypt, Greece, Croatia, Germany, and many others
Vaping in the states
In the US, vaping laws vary massively. Some states prohibit vaping in every location where smoking is prohibited, while others have no laws at all regarding vaping. With 50 states all having different laws, it’s best to check with your specific destination before travel.
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In some key vacation destinations, Florida for example, vaping is legal apart from most indoor workplaces. In 19 localities, such as Miami, vaping is banned in all enclosed workplaces, including restaurants but exempting bars.
In California, e-cigarette use is prohibited in workplaces and many public spaces, including restaurants and bars, but is allowed wherever smoking is permitted. Similarly, in New York, vaping is prohibited everywhere that smoking is banned, including all enclosed workplaces, bars and restaurants. Vaping fines vary from $50 up to $500 depending on the state.
Changing laws
The most important thing to note is that laws are changing everyday. The best thing to do is to check the laws in the country you are visiting before you fly and also check again on the day you are flying as you don’t want to be caught out after laws have changed overnight! Some countries enforce very strict regulations and it’s important to take them very seriously including the rules both in the airport and on flights.
