Traveling abroad with vapes can be confusing, and you may be in for some confusion. We’ve put together a guide to what the most popular airlines from the UK say about this.
Most airlines follow similar rules when flying with e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Here’s what we’ve found…
General rules for traveling abroad with vapes
- Vape products (e-cigarette kits and e-cigarette liquids) are only allowed in carry-on baggage. E-cigarettes are not allowed in checked baggage.
- Do not use vapes on airplanes. Your e-cigarette device must be stored in your carry-on baggage at all times during the flight and may not be used.
- E-cigarettes are not permitted to be recharged on the airplane
- To avoid damage and/or accidental activation, place your e-cigarette product in a protective carrying case.
- Be sure to research the laws governing the use of e-cigarettes in our travel destinations. Some countries may restrict and/or completely ban the import, export, or use of e-cigarettes. Don’t be surprised if customs confiscates your e-cigarettes in these countries. More severe penalties may include hefty fines and may even land you in jail.
- E-cigarettes cannot be inhaled in airport lounges, only in designated smoking areas.
Smoking at UK airports
Smoking is prohibited in all UK airports. However, there may be designated smoking/e-cigarette areas where you are allowed to inhale e-cigarettes.
Below are the main UK airports and the specific policies for smoking and using e-cigarettes at these airports.
If you are flying into an airport that is not listed here, be sure to research its specific smoking policies before traveling to the airport.
Aberdeen Airport
The Aberdeen Airport platform does not specifically mention if or where you can inhale. However, we recommend that you follow the same rules when using an inhaler as you would when smoking.
At that time, inhaling e-cigarettes was only permitted in designated smoking areas, and anyone inhaling an e-cigarette inside a building could be penalized with a $50 fine.
Airports have recently introduced a designated in-flight smoking area where you can smoke. Smoking is prohibited anywhere outside of this area after security is complete.
There are also designated smoking areas outside the main terminal and in the Granite City Beer Garden.
Belfast International Airport
Smoking (including the use of electronic cigarettes) is prohibited inside the terminal building. However, there are designated smoking areas outside the main terminal.
Birmingham Airport
Inhalation of e-cigarettes is prohibited in the Birmingham Airport terminal.
Cardiff Airport
Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal building. There is a designated smoking area outside the terminal and in the Departure Lounge next to Boarding Gate 2 outside the terminal where you can use e-cigarettes. Both areas can be used for all departing flights.
East Midlands Airport
Smoking/e-cigarettes are permitted in a designated smoking area outside the terminal. There is a smoking/vaping area in the Castle Rock bar after security has been cleared.
Please note that smoking/vaping is not permitted in any building at the airport except Castle Rock outside the bar.
Edinburgh Airport
E-cigarettes cannot be used in the terminal building and there are no special areas after security.
Exeter Airport
At Exeter Airport, e-cigarettes are not allowed before or after security. You can use the licensed shelters at the front of the terminal and finally take a puff before traveling.
Glasgow Airport
E-cigarettes are not permitted in the terminal, please choose a designated smoking area.
Airport, Glasgow Prestwick
The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited inside the terminal building. E-cigarettes may only be used outside the terminal 2 Smoking areas at authorized use number gates.
Airport, Jersey
Smoking is prohibited anywhere in the terminal building, including the use of e-cigarettes, by the smoking ban in all public buildings and workplaces.
Leeds Bradford Airport
E-cigarettes may only be used in designated smoking areas.
Liverpool Airport
E-cigarettes are not permitted in the terminal and users must use designated smoking areas.
London City Airport
Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal or after passing through security. The same rules apply to e-cigarettes.
London Gatwick Airport
Vapes may only be used in designated smoking areas outside both terminals. Smoking is not permitted in smoking areas after passing security.
London Heathrow Airport
Vapes are not permitted anywhere in the North and South terminals. The designated smoking areas outside both terminals are marked. You can use e-cigarettes here.
London Luton Airport
In the UK it is illegal to use e-cigarettes at London Luton Airport and it is illegal to smoke in public places (vapes). There is a special smoking area outside the departure lounge in front of the terminal. This is where LLA e-cigarettes are the only smoking allowed to be used.
London Southend Airport
E-cigarettes are not allowed to be used in airport buildings.
London Stansted Airport
The use of e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited in the airport. However, there are a few designated areas outside the terminal building in the landside area where e-cigarettes can be inhaled.
Manchester Airport
There are smoking areas outside all three terminals that can be used to inhale e-cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in any airport building.
Newcastle Airport
E-cigarettes cannot be smoked anywhere in the terminal building. There are designated smoking areas outside the terminal building.
There is an outdoor smoking area in Bar 11 after security for those who want to smoke e-cigarettes while drinking. You can ask a member of staff and they will show you the way. Please note that only Bar 11 customers can use this area.
Southampton Airport
Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal and when walking to your plane. There are designated smoking areas outside the terminal and when going through security where smoking is permitted.
Going through security
Getting through airport security can be one of the most time-consuming and stressful parts of starting your vacation. When you’re traveling with an e-cigarette brand, you need to make sure you have everything you need with you and store your stuff properly. Here, you can store all your e-cigarette brands correctly according to our guide and UK airport regulations to ease your way through security.
Vape Oil
- E-liquid (and all other liquids) must be shipped mounted to no larger than 100 mL/100 grams (3.4 ounces) in a container.
- The e-liquid must be placed in more than one 1 liter (1 in) clear plastic bag that is sealed and resealable. It must not exceed 20×20 cm (8×8 ft). The plastic bag must be completely sealed.
- Ensure that all items fit comfortably in the bag. Airport security will ask you to provide a clear pouch with e-liquid independently for security screening.
- If your cartridge is equipped with e-liquid, it may need to be stored in a clear plastic bag like any other liquid.
- E-liquid containers larger than 100, even if fitted with only a partial milliliter, will not be accepted.
- Each passenger may carry a resealable plastic bag.
Batteries
When passing through the scanner, the device and any spare batteries must be removed from the hand luggage and placed in the trays. Treat it as you would a laptop or any other electronic device.
Since lithium batteries do not fit in the baggage compartment, your device will need to be stored in your carry-on baggage.
- A maximum of two spare lithium batteries per person is allowed. Spare batteries must be stored in your carry-on luggage. If your carry-on baggage is removed from the cabin and placed in the cabin, you must declare any lithium batteries before moving your baggage.
- Lithium batteries may catch fire if they are short-circuit damaged, poorly designed, or assembled. All aircraft are prohibited from carrying damaged, defective or lithium batteries (e-cigarettes) that have been recalled by the manufacturer.
- Please handle your e-cigarette device carefully and replace the battery on the airplane. Batteries must be independently protected against short circuits.
- Notify the cabin crew immediately if you notice your device is damaged, burned, produces vapor, is lost, or dropped into the seat structure.
Coils
If you are traveling with spare coils or cartridges, you may also place them in your hand luggage.
Disposable vapes
Disposable products also need to be stored in your hand luggage as they are sealed and it is not possible to remove the batteries or e-liquid. As with other electronic devices, you may need to run them through a scanner to remove them from your hand luggage.
Before arriving at the airport, remember to check that you are allowed to bring disposable items into the country you wish to fly to. If the country you want to fly to bans disposable vapes, you may be able to confiscate disposable e-cigarettes before you board the plane. If you are caught bringing disposable straws into China, you may be penalized even more severely.
Can I still vape before I get on the plane?
Ideally, every airport should have a smoking area after security to satisfy your craving for cigarettes and tar before you board the plane. However, this is not the case. Many airports only have smoking areas outside the terminal, which means you can only smoke before entering the airport.
Fortunately, some airports do have in-flight smoking areas. You can check out our directory of major airports and their smoking policies above to find out which airports have airside smoking areas available for your use. If the airport you want to fly to isn’t on the list, all you have to do is do a Google search to find out if they have such a space for you to use after your security check.
Remember that smoking (including the use of e-cigarettes) in any airport building is illegal, and if you are caught carrying these items into the country where the ban is in place, you may be subject to harsher penalties.
Before boarding an airplane
In case your device (including) pod kits) uses refillable smoke canisters, it is therefore a good idea to empty the canisters of e-liquid before getting on the airplane. This is because once you’re on the plane, changes in cabin air pressure could cause the tank to leak, leading to a very uncomfortable mess.
If your chimney is made of glass and you choose not to empty it before your flight, the change in air pressure can also cause the glass to crack or even shatter. This is something you should avoid, as you may not be able to purchase a replacement chimney in the country you want to fly to, and then you’re stuck without smoke. It’s best to pour out the e-liquid just to be on the safe side.
On the airplane
Where do I store my e-cigarette?
Once on the plane, your e-cigarette will either be on your person or in your hand luggage. If you put your e-cigarette in your hand luggage, make sure it is turned off to avoid the risk of auto-ignition. If you keep the device on your person, you’re better off doing so, remembering that it’s not allowed on airplanes.
Can you bring disposable straws on an airplane?
Yes, you can bring disposable e-cigarettes onto an airplane. It is best to store it safely in your hand luggage.
Can you smoke on an airplane?
Smoking is prohibited on any commercial flight, regardless of the airline. Doing so could result in you being kicked off the plane, missing your flight and not being able to get a refund. Further behavior may result in you being fined and you will be banned from flying with the airline in the future.
Invisible inhalation
You may have heard of a type of stealth vaping where you smoke a cigarette and inhale a large amount of gas so that when you exhale it produces almost no vapor. While this may allow you to get away with it, we don’t recommend it. If other passengers see you inhaling, they can also report you. Which could result in you being kicked off the plane, or worse.
Can I smoke in the lavatory?
Most smoke detectors on airplanes can’t distinguish between smoke and vapor, so if you inhale in the lavatory, a smoke alarm will come on. This will set off an alarm on the flight deck and maintenance will have to investigate this.
The legal alternative is to smoke on an airplane
If you can’t last the entire flight time without some sort of smoke tar irritation, it’s best not to inhale. Instead, you can use something else NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy) such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nasal sprays, inhalers, and pills. These products will still satisfy your craving for tobacco tar without producing any vapor or smoke.
Vaping Abroad
Each country has its position and laws regarding the use, marketing, and distribution of vapes and e-cigarette brands. China does not have any restrictions on e-cigarette brands as most countries have common restrictions to ensure the safety of the products being sold. For the convenience of consumers, all general safety restrictions on vape brands are listed below.
Restricted
Laws on inhaling vapes can change frequently, so I suggest you check before you travel. While inhaling vapes is permitted, it is strictly controlled in public places, so it is important to follow local regulations to avoid fines. We also recommend that you find out the local legal age at which vape inhalation is allowed before you travel.
Most countries in the world do not have a problem with drug use. Except for a few in China. Some countries around the world have outright banned the use, importation, and sale of e-cigarettes, so it’s worth checking before you travel.
Governments around the world are constantly changing their stance, so read up on this before you travel and double-check that your sources of information are up to date.
Leave your e-cigarettes at home when you travel to these countries. E-cigarettes are banned in these countries, so respect the local laws. Don’t take any chances so you don’t ruin your vacation.
United Kingdom
Spain
France
Italy
United States
Greece
Portugal
Netherlands
Ireland
Germany
Belgium
Morocco
Cyprus
Poland
Switzerland
Malta
Croatia
Tunisia
Egypt
Czech Republic
Iceland
Hungary
Denmark
Madeira
South Africa
Bulgaria
Canada
Norway
San Marino
Finland
Sweden
Cape Verde
Romania
Vietnam
New Zealand
Slovakia
Latvia
Slovenia
Lithuania
Estonia
Israel
Luxembourg
Moldova
Fiji
China
Ecuador
Georgia
Honduras
Maldives
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Countries where vaping is illegal
Most countries in the world do not have any problems with drug use. A few countries are exceptions. Some countries around the world have outright bans on the use, import, and sale of vapes. So it’s worth checking before you travel.
The position of governments around the world is constantly changing, so read up on the subject and double-check that your sources of information are up-to-date before you travel.
Leave your e-cigarettes at home when traveling to these countries. E-cigarettes are banned in these countries, so respect local laws. Don’t take any chances that could ruin your vacation.
Antigua and Barbuda – E-cigarettes cannot be purchased inside the country or brought into the country in personal luggage or person.
Argentina – Vaping has been discouraged by the National Clinical Practice Guideline for Tobacco Cessation due to a lack of evidence of their safety.
Bahrain – The importation, sale, and distribution of vape devices has been banned in Bahrain since 2013.
Bhutan – Bhutan banned tobacco and tobacco-related products from being produced or sold. E-cigarettes are included in the ban.
Brazil – E-cigarettes have been banned in Brazil since 2009. Despite the ban, one in five young people aged between 18 and 24 use electronic cigarettes in Brazil. The Brazilian health and sanitation federal agency, Anvisa, found the current health safety assessments about e-cigarettes were not satisfactory.
Brunei – The sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited. There is no restriction on the advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of e-cigarettes.
Cambodia – Laws ban the sale, consumption, and import of vapes.
Colombia – In Colombia, tobacco control law No. 1335 of 2009 classifies e-cigarette products as tobacco imitations, effectively banning the sale, manufacture, and marketing/advertising of e-cigarettes. It is not illegal to use vapes, but there are bans on vaping in enclosed public spaces and on public transport.
Cuba – E-cigarettes are likely to be confiscated at the airport by customs.
Ethiopia – Laws ban the manufacture, wholesale, distribution, sale or offer for sale, and import to the trade of any vape or “other related cigarette resembling technology product.” There are no restrictions on the use, advertising, promotion, or sponsorship of e-cigarettes.
Gambia – Laws ban the manufacture, importation, distribution, possession, sale, and offer for sale of vapes.
India – E-cigarettes have been banned in India since 2019. You will be unable to buy e-cigarettes in India or bring them into the country.
Iran – The sale and distribution of e-cigarettes is illegal.
Japan – Nicotine-containing e-liquids have been banned since 2010. Vaping non-nicotine e-liquid is legal.
Korea – Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes are banned in North Korea, according to a 2018 WHO report for the Conference of the Parties (8) of the FCTC (‘Progress report on regulatory and market developments on Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)’).
Kuwait – Kuwait became a Party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on August 10, 2006. Effectively banning vapes.
Laos
Lebanon – The sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in places where smoking is prohibited. The law prohibits the advertising and promotion of “tobacco products,” which includes vapes, but permits limited forms of sponsorship.
Mauritius – The law bans the manufacture, import, distribution, sale, or offer for sale of vapes, including e-liquids, devices, and accessories sold or marketed for use in or with e-cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is not restricted by this regulation.
Mexico – The President of Mexico, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, in May 2022 signed a decree that prohibits the “circulation and marketing” of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. Banning them from being imported and sold in Mexico.
Nepal – In Nepal, the Tobacco Product Control and Regulatory Directive of 2014 bans the sale, advertising, promotion and sponsorship, importation, manufacture, distribution, and use of e-cigarettes in public places and on public transportation.
Nicaragua – E-cigarettes are banned in Nicaragua. You cannot enter the country with a vape.
Oman – The Sultanate of Oman banned the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes in 2015.
Panama – Vape devices and e-liquids have been banned for use, import, and sale since June 30, 2022.
Qatar – E-cigarettes have been banned in Qatar since 2014. You can receive a 3-month prison sentence and/or a fine of up to 10,000 riyals (approx. £2,200) for vaping.
Seychelles – Currently, the Tobacco Control Act 2009 prohibits the manufacture, importation, supply, display, distribution, or sale of imitation tobacco products. This includes e-cigarettes. Possession is not covered in the legislation, however. Bringing e-cigarettes into the country for personal use is reportedly also banned. However, in March 2019, an announcement was made saying that Seychelles is legalizing the use of electronic cigarettes. With a new regulation that will classify alternative nicotine products under the tobacco control law. Following approval by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Singapore – You cannot bring e-cigarettes into the country. These items are likely to be confiscated, and you could be fined or sent to prison. Possession of a vape could result in a fine of S $2,000 (approx. £1,200)
Sri Lanka – The law bans the manufacture, import, sale, and offer for sale of “e-cigarettes that contain tobacco.” Even though the law includes the phrase “that contain tobacco,” this provision is being applied to the manufacture, import, sale, and offer for sale of all vapes.
Suriname – The law prohibits the importation, distribution, and sale of vapes
Syria – The law bans the use, manufacturing, marketing, sale, and purchase of vapes.
Thailand – E-cigarettes have been banned in Thailand since 2014 and may be confiscated. You could be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years if convicted. (Fines of up to 100,000 baht £2,500)
Timor-Leste – The law prohibits the sale and advertising of e-cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited in places where smoking is prohibited.
Turkmenistan – The law prohibits the sale and advertising of e-cigarettes. It is uncertain whether the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited.
Uganda – The law bans the import, manufacture, distribution, processing, sale, offer for sale, and bringing into the country of e-cigarettes. Including e-cigarette devices and cartridges with nicotine-containing liquid or other substances to be vaporized.
Uruguay – The law bans the commercialization, importation, and advertising of e-cigarettes, as well as their registration as a trademark or patent. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited where smoking is prohibited, which includes all enclosed public places, workplaces, and public transport.
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