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INTRODUCTION
What you need to know before travelling with your electronic cigarette
The fine weather is here, the holidays are approaching, and you're getting ready to take the plane for a faraway destination or an extended weekend in Europe? If you're a vaper, it's essential to prepare your trip carefully, taking into account the legislation in force in your destination country and the rules governing air travel.
No, travelling with your vapour is not as simple as taking your toothbrush with you. Between flight restrictions, strict local legislation and even outright bans in some countries, it's best to be well informed. Here's Sweetch's guide to travelling with peace of mind and your electronic cigarette.
CAN YOU TRAVEL BY PLANE?
The answer is yes, but under certain very specific conditions. E-cigarettes are considered to be electronic devices containing lithium-ion batteries, which means they are subject to strict regulations.
ALWAYS IN CABIN, NEVER IN HOLD!
Your electronic cigarette must travel with you in the cabin, switched off and, if possible, with the batteries removed. Carriage in the hold is strictly forbidden because of the risk of fire linked to lithium batteries in the event of depressurisation.
Batteries must be stored in an insulated protective case, and limited to two per person, in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) recommendations.
NEVER CHARGE YOUR E-CIG OR BATTERIES DURING FLIGHT!
E-liquids: pay attention to quantities
- In the cabin: You are entitled to a maximum of 100 ml per bottle, provided they are placed in a transparent plastic bag measuring 20 cm x 20 cm, the total capacity of which must not exceed 1 litre. This bag also includes your other liquid products: toothpaste, shampoo, perfume, etc.
- In the hold: You can take more e-liquids (bases, DIY, etc.) with you, with no strict quantity limit. Make sure you pack them tightly to avoid leaks due to pressure changes.
Sweetch tip: pack your bottles in an airtight freezer bag and avoid filling your clearomizers completely before the flight. Pressure can cause leaks.
CAN YOU SMOKE ON BOARD?
No, it is strictly forbidden to smoke on board an aircraft, whatever the flight or airline. This also includes the airport (except in smoking areas). This ban is enshrined in most international legislation.
Any infringement can result in a fine, or even more depending on the destination. For long flights, consider alternative solutions: patches, nicotine gum, etc.
VAPE ABROAD: BEWARE!
Here's the trickiest part: each country has its own legislation on electronic cigarettes. And sometimes, the use, sale or even possession of a vape can expose you to heavy penalties, or even prison.
The 3 main categories of countries:
1. Countries where electronic cigarettes are totally banned
All possession, sale or use is illegal (Thailand, Singapore, Brazil, India, etc.).
Risk: confiscation, heavy fines, even imprisonment.
2. Countries where nicotine is regulated as a medicine
You need a doctor's prescription to own or buy nicotine-containing e-liquids (Australia, Norway, South Africa, etc.).
3. Countries where vaping is permitted but restricted
Authorised but regulated use in public places.
The fine varies depending on the location and the offence.
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
| COUNTRY | LEGAL STATUS | PUBLIC USE | SANCTIONS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albania | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Germany | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Andorra | ✅ Allowed | No known law on electronic cigarettes | |
| Armenia | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Austria | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Belgium | ⚠️ Restricted: Puff ban in 2026 | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | ✅ Allowed | No known law on electronic cigarettes | |
| Bulgaria | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Cyprus | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places and private vehicles in presence of pregnant women or minors | Fine |
| Croatia | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Denmark | ⚠️ Restricted: Only mint and tobacco flavors allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Spain | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places and beaches | Fine |
| Estonia | ⚠️ Restricted: Only mint and tobacco flavors allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Finland | ⚠️ Restricted: Importing more than 10ml e-liquid in luggage is prohibited. Only tobacco flavor allowed. | Prohibited in public and private vehicles in presence of minors under 15 | Fine |
| France | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Georgia | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Greece | ⚠️ Restricted: Sale of nicotine-free e-cigarettes and DIY banned | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Hungary | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Ireland | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Iceland | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Italy | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Latvia | ⚠️ Restricted: Only tobacco flavor allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Liechtenstein | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Lithuania | ⚠️ Restricted: Only tobacco flavor allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Luxembourg | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| North Macedonia | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Malta | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Moldova | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Monaco | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places and beaches | Fine |
| Montenegro | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Norway | ⚠️ Restricted: Import only allowed for 3 months' personal use. Medical certificate required for nicotine liquids. | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Netherlands | ⚠️ Restricted: Only tobacco flavor allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Poland | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Portugal | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Czech Republic | ⚠️ Restricted: Importing more than 10ml e-liquid in luggage is prohibited | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Romania | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| United Kingdom | ⚠️ Restricted: Puff sales banned | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Serbia | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in enclosed public spaces | Fine |
| Slovakia | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Slovenia | ⚠️ Restricted: Only tobacco flavor allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Sweden | ⚠️ Restricted: Importing more than 20ml e-liquid in luggage is prohibited | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Switzerland | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
| Turkey | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Ukraine | ✅ Allowed | Prohibited in public places | Fine |
OTHER COUNTRIES
| COUNTRY | LEGAL STATUS | PUBLIC USE | PENALTIES |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | ⚠️ Restricted: sold only in pharmacies with a medical prescription | Banned in public places | Fine |
| Antigua and Barbuda | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Argentina | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Australia | ⚠️ Restricted: sold only in pharmacies with a medical prescription | Banned in public places and on beaches | Fine |
| Bangladesh | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Bhutan | ❌ Banned: all tobacco and related products including e-cigarettes | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Brazil | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Brunei | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Cambodia | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| China | ⚠️ Restricted: banned in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Only tobacco flavor allowed | Banned in public places | Fine |
| North Korea | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Cuba | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Ethiopia | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Gambia | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Ghana | ⚠️ Restricted: medical prescription required | Banned in public places | Fine |
| Cook Islands | ⚠️ Restricted: tourists over 21 may bring one e-cigarette and up to 30ml of e-liquid | Banned in public places | Fine |
| Mauritius | ⚠️ Restricted: e-cigarette and e-liquid sales strictly banned since 2023, possession may result in confiscation | Banned in public places | Fine |
| India | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Iraq | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Iran | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Jamaica | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Japan | ⚠️ Restricted: officially banned since 2010, but nicotine liquids allowed for personal import (1-month supply) | Banned in public places | Fine |
| Jordan | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Laos | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Malaysia | ⚠️ Restricted: vaping banned in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Neger Sembilan, Terengganu, Selangor and Penang | Banned in public places | Fine and prison |
| Maldives | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Mexico | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Nauru | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Nepal | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Nicaragua | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Oman | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Uganda | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Uzbekistan | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Palau | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Panama | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Papua New Guinea | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Qatar | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Senegal | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Seychelles | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Singapore | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Sri Lanka | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Syria | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Taiwan | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Thailand | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Turkmenistan | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Uruguay | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Venezuela | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine |
| Vietnam | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
| Yemen | ❌ Banned | Illegal | Fine and prison |
TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR VAPE
1. Find out before you leave
Consult the official websites of the country's customs or embassies. Check the exact regulations on the transport, sale and use of vape.
2. Prepare your equipment carefully
- Remove the batteries
- Transport e-liquids in leak-proof containers
- Bring spare resistors
- Do not bring tools that are not allowed in the cabin (pliers, DIY syringes, etc.).
3. Be discreet on the premises
Even if it's allowed, avoid vaping in public places. Prefer designated areas, and use less odorous e-liquids to avoid attracting attention.
4. Take enough liquids with you
Depending on the country, it may be impossible to find quality products locally. Make sure you have enough stock before you leave.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, travelling with your electronic cigarette is not forbidden, but you must scrupulously respect the rules of the airlines and countries you visit.
Before each trip:
- Check local legislation
- Store your equipment correctly
- Be discreet and respect local cultures
By following these recommendations, you'll be able to enjoy your trip stress-free, and vape in complete peace of mind.
Have a good trip and happy vaping with Sweetch!
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