Countries where vaping is banned and could land you with £2k fine | Travel News | Travel

As the UK government announces a crackdown on the sale and use of vaping products, tightening regulations around e-cigarettes, Brits planning their summer holidays need to be on high alert – because many overseas destinations are taking an even tougher stance when it comes to vaping.

In fact, across the globe, a growing number of countries are slapping vapers with eye-watering fines, and in some cases, even threatening jail time for flouting the rules. It’s a stark contrast to the UK, where vaping is still widely accepted and seen by many as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes.

But with hefty penalties of up to £2,000 in certain holiday hotspots, and the threat of imprisonment in destinations like Australia, it’s crucial that Brits planning their summer getaways brush up on the changing laws before they jet off.

Vaping expert Markus Lindblad from Vape Globe has the full rundown on where you can and can’t use your e-cigs abroad – and the potentially severe consequences if you get caught.

Can you vape on a plane?

When it comes to flying, you’re allowed to bring your vape gear in your cabin luggage, but make sure to check the specific rules for your destination first. One thing’s for certain though – you definitely can’t use it during the flight itself.

What about packing it?

If you’re taking your vape on holiday, keep your devices and e-cigs in your hand luggage only, and limit it to a maximum of 20 batteries. E-liquids also have to stay in your cabin bag, with a 100ml bottle size limit. Never put them in the hold – the lithium batteries are a fire risk. And be warned – airport security may confiscate anything they’re not happy with.

The vaping laws abroad you need to know

With fines reaching as high as £2,000 in some countries, and the threat of jail time in others, it’s crucial that Brits brush up on the local rules before jetting off.

Turkey, for example, has effectively banned the sale of vape kit and e-liquids, as none have been successfully licensed. But you are allowed to use your own gear, as long as you don’t do it indoors.

Over in Spain, smoking and vaping are already prohibited on many beaches, with hefty €2,000 fines for anyone caught breaking the rules. And a nationwide crackdown is on the way, with the Balearic Islands making 28 of their beaches no-smoking zones in 2023, and all 10 Barcelona beaches also now off-limits for lighting up or vaping.

France is taking an even tougher stance, with the French parliament voting unanimously to ban single-use e-cigarettes. The law still needs to be approved by the government and the EU, but if it gets the green light, the ban could be in place as soon as September 2024.

Portugal is also playing hardball, treating vaping the same as regular smoking. It’s banned in all public enclosed spaces, bars, restaurants, and clubs, with fines of up to €750 for anyone who disobeys the law.

And it’s not just Europe that’s clamping down. In Australia, you could even face prison time of up to two years and fines of around £24,000 for breaking the rules.

Vaping expert Markus Lindblad warns: “With massive penalties and the threat of jail time in certain destinations, it’s absolutely vital that holidaymakers do their research on the vaping laws before they travel. It could make all the difference to your summer getaway – the consequences of getting it wrong can be severe.”