The laws and regulations covering Vaping around the world are a constantly moving picture. Many countries have been very slow to react to the quick uptake of e-cigarettes. When they do finally take action the results can be severe, heavily limiting the use of e-cigarettes. If you plan on travelling this year and want to take your device with you it’s a good idea to check out local laws before you go. Some countries such as the USA, Australia and Russia have both national and state/regional laws. If you’re travelling around when you reach your destination check with the locals before whipping out your ecig rather than assuming you’ll be fine. The list below covers approximately 70 of the most popular travel destinations. It is by no means exhaustive, however we do plan to keep adding countries as we get more information. Please use this guide as part of your research before travelling but also consult other sources to ensure you have a clear and full picture. Europe The majority of European states allow vaping, although heavy taxation is becoming more common which can make stocking up on supplies whilst visiting expensive. Most EU members adopted the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD) from May 2017 and this makes the general approach to vaping across the EU broadly similar to that of the UK. Some states have added their own additional laws that you need to watch out for. Vaping in the UK Status: Permitted What you need to know: Where better place to start than good old blighty. The UK is very much pro vaping and are 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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 Germany Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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 is largely permitted in areas where you can smoke. Vaping in Italy Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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 will 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: Vaping in Turkey is ‘technically’ banned. However, many UK holiday makers 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: Portugal are following the example of Italy in heavily taxing vapingproducts 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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 Netherlands Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: It is legal to buy and use e-cigs in Ireland and vape shops are plentiful. Ireland, like the Dutch, take a fairly liberal approach to vaping and at the time of writing there are no plans to change this approach. Vaping in Russia Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted (Potential to Change) What you need to know: 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 have 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: Vaping is allowed wherever smoking is permitted but this is another country that have 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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 thesame rules should apply. We say should as in 2015 a fine imposed on a woman for vaping in an enclosed public space was overturned by the courts. Their conclusion was ‘The smoking ban only applies to tobacco products, not e-cigarettes’. We’re not suggesting that you test the theory out so the best advice is to follow the locals example or ask a member of staff if you’re in a restaurant, bar or café. Vaping in Belgium Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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 Czech Republic Status: Permitted What you need to know: Another great place to visit for vapers. Ecigs can be purchased and used pretty much anywhere. Vaping in Poland Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: China is the country that invented e-cigarettes and it still produces around 90% of the entire worlds vapour products. Vaping laws tend 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: Permitted with Limitations What you need to know: 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: Permitted with Limitations What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted (Potential to Change) What you need to know: The situation in India is complicated and liable to change during 2018. Currently vaping rules are governed at 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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 Philippines Status: Permitted (Potential to Change) What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: The use and sale of e-cigarettes and vaping accessories is illegal. Vaping in Indonesia Status: Banned What you need to know: 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: Permitted with Big Limitations What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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-cigarattes as tobacco products and therefore applying the same restrictions. Vaping in USA Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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. Full details state by state can be found here. Vaping in Canada Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted with Limitations What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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 Bahamas Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: A total ban exists in Brazil meaning you can’t buy, sell or use e-cigarettes.Vaping in Argentina Status: Banned What you need to know: Vaping is illegal throughout the country.Vaping in Colombia Status: Unclear What you need to know: 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. Vaping in Peru Status: Unclear What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: Vaping is illegal throughout the country. Vaping in Chile Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: 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: Permitted with Limitations What you need to know: 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 What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: E-cigarette usage is legal with few restrictions. Vaping in Madagascar Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: Vaping is legal with few restrictions. Vaping in Zambia Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: E-cigarettes are legal but vaping is not allowed in public. Uganda Status: Banned What you need to know: E-cigarettes have been banned since 2016. Vaping in Tanzania/Zanzibar Status: Unclear What you need to know: There is no information available on the laws for Tanzania however users of travel forums report no issues. Taking and using you device should be done so with caution and it’s not recommended to travel with anything of value. Vaping in Nigeria Status: Permitted with Limitations What you need to know: It is not 100% clear but vaping does seem to be permitted but not in public. Vaping in Ghana Status: Permitted What you need to know: 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: Permitted What you need to know: Vaping is legal with few restrictions. Vaping in Swaziland Status: Permitted What you need to know: Vaping is regulated by the same laws as smoking and therefore you are permitted to vape in the same areas you can smoke.