Vaping could land you with a whopping fine and even a ten-year prison sentence in certain countries hugely popular with tourists.
So if you vape and are jetting off on holiday – or even reading this on the beach right now – it’s worth finding out what is and isn’t allowed to avoid landing in hot water.
At the time of writing, there are at least 35 countries with strict vaping laws, ranging from complete bans to restricting advertising, while in the UK e-cigarettes are legal for over 18s and even suggested by the NHS as a way to quit smoking.
While studies so far show vaping is far less harmful than smoking, nicotine is known to be highly addictive and harmful chemicals have been found in unregulated vapes.
So if you’re off on holiday, where it is illegal to vape?
Let’s find out.
Where is vaping banned?
You can check any country’s current laws and restrictions by entering it on the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction’s search tool – but here are the key countries to be aware of with the harshest penalties:
Australia – Possessing or using nicotine e-liquid (unless prescribed by a doctor) can result in jail sentences of up to two years and fines of up to AU$45,000 (£24,000). Bringing it into the country can land you with a fine of £125,000.
Qatar – Possessing or using vapes could land you with a fine up to 10,000 Riyals (£2,200), or up to three months in prison.
Singapore – The penalties for purchase, use and possession of e-cigarettes are fines of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars (£1,200).
Thailand – In February 2019 the Phuket News reported that a French woman had been arrested, charged, fined, jailed and deported after being caught with an e-cigarette. Fines can be 30,000 baht (£700) or imprisonment for up to 10 years.
If you’re off to Spain (including Ibiza, all the Balearic islands and the Canary Islands), it’s worth knowing that vaping is banned in all indoor state-owned public places, on public transport and in certain outdoor places such as parks and some beaches. All 10 of Barcelona’s beaches are vape and smoke-free, along with 28 in the Balearic islands) and those who flout the law face a fine.
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Many countries restrict the advertising, import and sale of E-cigarettes, including Brazil and Argentina, and in Turkey there are reports of vapers being fined for smoking indoors.
It’s best to check your exact destination before you travel.
Can I take vapes on a plane?
Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club, gave this advice to Wales Online:
‘It’s imperative that any vaper looks into the country’s vaping laws before they go ahead and book their holiday to avoid running into a difficult situation. If you have booked a trip to a country where vaping is banned, it is best not to risk a fine or worse: being chucked in a cell.
‘If your destination is open to vaping and you are travelling by plane, please remember this important safety advice. Always keep your batteries and vaping devices in your hand luggage as they need to stay in a pressure-controlled environment, and must not be left in your checked baggage.’
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