Vaping abroad !

Travelling and Vaping : Some useful information and helpful recommendations

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Do you remember the misadventure of the Swiss tourist who vacationed in Thailand ? He spent 6 days in prison for carrying an electronic cigarette with him. And he was lucky ; his sentence could have been 10 years in jail ! 

Are you going on vacation and want to take your electronic cigarette with you ? Be aware :The two do not always go well together ! Your vacation could be extended against your will, never mind all the trouble and hassle… and the extra expense !

This contribution contains information to the best of our knowledge about travelling abroad with your electronic cigarette. In some countries, both the ownership and the purchase of equipment and/or products is prohibited. Other countries will allow you to enter their territory with your e-cigarette, and still other countries simply forbid its use in public places.

We offer you herewith an extensive but non-exhaustive list of countries and their current laws related to the use of electronic cigarettes. However, it is essential that you inform yourself about the up-to-date state of these laws prior to departure, because the rules and regulations can change quickly !

Countries where vaping is prohibited or where you will have to vape at your own risk (risking confiscation, time in prison and/or a fine) :



    • Argentina : buying, selling and importing is banned since 2011, and this includes non-nicotine products

    • Australia : Nicotine is classified as being a poison and can therefore be used for therapeutic purposes. Importation for personal reasons may thus be authorized under certain conditions (for example ; with a valid medical prescription). Liquids without nicotine are not regulated. Warning : Legislation may vary from state to state !

    • Brazil : banned since 2014, risk of confiscation and a fine

    • Brunei : banned since 2010, risk of a fine ranging from €250 to €450 in case of vaping in a non-smoking area. Whilst personal use is not expressly prohibited, caution must be exercised in view of the prohibition in force

    • Cambodia : banned since 2014

    • Colombia : sale and importation prohibited

    • Egypt : the law is not clear, but the material can be confiscated

    • Finland : e-liquids must not contain certain additives and flavors ; e.g. fruity and gourmand

    • Hong Kong : contradictory information ! Vaping has the same status as cigarette smoking, which means you can vape in areas reserved for smokers. However, e-liquids containing nicotine are prohibited and punishable by up to 2 years in prison

    • India : The provinces of Jammu, Kashmir, Karnataka, Punjab, Maharashtra and Kerala are extremely strict about the ban on vaping. A man was recently sentenced to 3 years in prison for using and selling e-cigarettes

    • Indonesia : vaping is banned, but in some tourist areas e-cigarettes are on sale

    • Jordan : banned since 2009, including nicotine-free products

    • Lebanon : banned since 2016. Some tourists report having been able to vape. Just the same, do be careful !

    • Mauritius : sale, supply and distribution are prohibited and may lead to confiscation

    • Mexico : tourists claim having been able to take e-cigarettes with them. However, authorities have the right to confiscate your equipment!

    • Oman : banned since 2012. Some expats claim that personal use is tolerated

    • Panama : import and sale are prohibited and lead to confiscation. But according to some tourists, personal use is tolerated

    • Qatar : banned since 2014. Import is not allowed

    • United Arab Emirates : sale and importation is illegal, the products will therefore be confiscated. Warning : Confiscation can also occur if you only transit through Dubai

    • Singapore : equipment, supplies and accessories are prohibited from being purchased and/or sold. In addition to confiscation by customs officials, there is a fine that can reach $5’000. Tourists coming directly from Europe report that they have been able to vape undisturbed. Apparently, the fines only apply when people enter the territory coming from other Southeast Asian countries

    • Taiwan : e-liquids are classified like drugs ; e.g. possession, import and sale can result in fines and imprisonment

    • Thailand : risk of a fine and a prison term of up to 10 years ! One of the world’s most severe countries in terms of punishing those who vape !

    • Turkey : prohibited throughout the territory and risk of denunciation to customs officials

    • Venezuela : buying and selling are prohibited. Tourists claim they were allowed to vape in certain public places. However, there definitely is the risk of being fined

Countries where vaping is prohibited in public areas :

  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Czech Republic
  • Denmark
  • Ecuador
  • Estonia
  • Greece
  • Honduras
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan 
  • Latvia
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Nepal
  • Nicaragua
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Togo
  • Tunisia
  • Ukraine
  • United Kingdom
  • Unied States of America
  • Vietnam

Countries in which the sale is prohibited :

  • Kuwait
  • Lithuania
  • New Zealand
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Seychelles
  • Suriname
  • Uruguay

Advice for travelling by air :





Above all, be reminded that it is forbidden to vape on airplanes. Moreover, being well prepared is essential not only for reasons of safety, but also to make sure to not forget anything !

With this in mind, we recommend that you place your Box/Mod in your carry-on luggage. Do not forget to remove the battery beforehand and to carry it separately ! It is important to note that the number of batteries allowed by the airlines varies by company. Make sure you inquire about such regulations and the appropriate packaging. This is best done by contacting the airline directly ! Furthermore, batteries should be insulated with adhesive tape and placed in individual plastic bags – preferably in their original packaging or purpose-built battery boxes.

E-liquids are allowed as carry-on in the cabin, but do be careful not to exceed the allowed total of 100ml – which includes all your liquids. The best way to transport e-liquids is to carry them in your checked luggage. But only after you carefully packed them in a zipped plastic bag – preventing the liquid from spilling into your suitcase (due to pressure change) and causing a mess.

We also recommend you empty the atomizers already filled with e-liquid or carry them upside down to avoid leaks. For boxes with an integrated battery, it is best you put them in a Li-Po Guard envelope. And when the tank is integrated, make sure to empty it before packing !

To summarize : 1) Make sure you check with the relevant embassies and/or consulates about the current laws in force in the country of your destinationl, and 2) Prepare your equipment before departure. Following these two steps is the only sure way to fully enjoy your trip abroad… and your vape !

Dear Reader, thank you for your attention. We appreciate your interest in reading this article and your loyalty to our brand.

Have a safe journey !

The sweetch team