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

COUNTRYLEGAL STATUSPUBLIC USESANCTIONS
Albania✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Germany✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Andorra✅ AllowedNo known law on electronic cigarettes
Armenia✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Austria✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Belgium⚠️ Restricted: Puff ban in 2026Prohibited in public placesFine
Bosnia and Herzegovina✅ AllowedNo known law on electronic cigarettes
Bulgaria✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Cyprus✅ AllowedProhibited in public places and private vehicles in presence of pregnant women or minorsFine
Croatia✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Denmark⚠️ Restricted: Only mint and tobacco flavors allowedProhibited in public placesFine
Spain✅ AllowedProhibited in public places and beachesFine
Estonia⚠️ Restricted: Only mint and tobacco flavors allowedProhibited in public placesFine
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 15Fine
France✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Georgia✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Greece⚠️ Restricted: Sale of nicotine-free e-cigarettes and DIY bannedProhibited in public placesFine
Hungary✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Ireland✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Iceland✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Italy✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Latvia⚠️ Restricted: Only tobacco flavor allowedProhibited in public placesFine
Liechtenstein✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Lithuania⚠️ Restricted: Only tobacco flavor allowedProhibited in public placesFine
Luxembourg✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
North Macedonia✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Malta✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Moldova✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Monaco✅ AllowedProhibited in public places and beachesFine
Montenegro✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Norway⚠️ Restricted: Import only allowed for 3 months' personal use. Medical certificate required for nicotine liquids.Prohibited in public placesFine
Netherlands⚠️ Restricted: Only tobacco flavor allowedProhibited in public placesFine
Poland✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Portugal✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Czech Republic⚠️ Restricted: Importing more than 10ml e-liquid in luggage is prohibitedProhibited in public placesFine
Romania✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
United Kingdom⚠️ Restricted: Puff sales bannedProhibited in public placesFine
Serbia✅ AllowedProhibited in enclosed public spacesFine
Slovakia✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Slovenia⚠️ Restricted: Only tobacco flavor allowedProhibited in public placesFine
Sweden⚠️ Restricted: Importing more than 20ml e-liquid in luggage is prohibitedProhibited in public placesFine
Switzerland✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine
Turkey❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Ukraine✅ AllowedProhibited in public placesFine

OTHER COUNTRIES

COUNTRYLEGAL STATUSPUBLIC USEPENALTIES
South Africa⚠️ Restricted: sold only in pharmacies with a medical prescriptionBanned in public placesFine
Antigua and Barbuda❌ BannedIllegalFine
Argentina❌ BannedIllegalFine
Australia⚠️ Restricted: sold only in pharmacies with a medical prescriptionBanned in public places and on beachesFine
Bangladesh❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Bhutan❌ Banned: all tobacco and related products including e-cigarettesIllegalFine and prison
Brazil❌ BannedIllegalFine
Brunei❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Cambodia❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
China⚠️ Restricted: banned in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Only tobacco flavor allowedBanned in public placesFine
North Korea❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Cuba❌ BannedIllegalFine
Ethiopia❌ BannedIllegalFine
Gambia❌ BannedIllegalFine
Ghana⚠️ Restricted: medical prescription requiredBanned in public placesFine
Cook Islands⚠️ Restricted: tourists over 21 may bring one e-cigarette and up to 30ml of e-liquidBanned in public placesFine
Mauritius⚠️ Restricted: e-cigarette and e-liquid sales strictly banned since 2023, possession may result in confiscationBanned in public placesFine
India❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Iraq❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Iran❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Jamaica❌ BannedIllegalFine
Japan⚠️ Restricted: officially banned since 2010, but nicotine liquids allowed for personal import (1-month supply)Banned in public placesFine
Jordan❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Laos❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Malaysia⚠️ Restricted: vaping banned in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Neger Sembilan, Terengganu, Selangor and PenangBanned in public placesFine and prison
Maldives❌ BannedIllegalFine
Mexico❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Nauru❌ BannedIllegalFine
Nepal❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Nicaragua❌ BannedIllegalFine
Oman❌ BannedIllegalFine
Uganda❌ BannedIllegalFine
Uzbekistan❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Palau❌ BannedIllegalFine
Panama❌ BannedIllegalFine
Papua New Guinea❌ BannedIllegalFine
Qatar❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Senegal❌ BannedIllegalFine
Seychelles❌ BannedIllegalFine
Singapore❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Sri Lanka❌ BannedIllegalFine
Syria❌ BannedIllegalFine
Taiwan❌ BannedIllegalFine
Thailand❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Turkmenistan❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Uruguay❌ BannedIllegalFine
Venezuela❌ BannedIllegalFine
Vietnam❌ BannedIllegalFine and prison
Yemen❌ BannedIllegalFine 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!