Taking your vape on holiday means dealing with two sets of rules: how to pack it for the flight, and what's allowed when you land. You can take a vape on a plane from the UK, but only in your hand luggage, and you can't use or charge it on board. The bigger risk is at your destination: some popular holiday countries ban vapes outright, and a few now ban nicotine pouches too. This guide covers the flying rules, the airport liquid limits that now differ from airport to airport, and what to know before you travel to the destinations UK holidaymakers search for most.
Can you take a vape on a plane?
Yes. Vapes are allowed on flights from the UK, but the same core rules apply on every airline. Under international aviation rules, e-cigarettes can't go in checked luggage and can't be charged on board. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency puts it simply: e-cigarettes must always be kept in your hand baggage and must not be recharged during the flight.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Hand luggage only | Vape devices and spare batteries must go in your cabin bag or on your person, never in the hold |
| No vaping on board | Using a vape on the aircraft isn't allowed on any airline |
| No charging on board | Don't charge your vape or its batteries during the flight |
| Switched off | Turn the device off or lock it so it can't fire in your bag |
The reason is fire safety. Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries, and a battery that overheats in the hold is much harder for crew to deal with than one in the cabin. Airlines may add their own limits on top. For example, easyJet's dangerous goods rules say vapes must stay completely switched off and allow a maximum of two spare batteries per person. Check your airline's policy before you fly.
How to pack your vape for a flight
- Reduce leaks: cabin pressure changes can push e-liquid out of a tank or pod. Travel with your tank empty or only part-filled.
- Turn it off: switch the device off or use its lock function. If it has neither, keep it in a case so the button can't be pressed.
- Protect spare batteries: carry loose batteries in a battery case, never loose in a pocket or bag where they can touch keys or coins.
- Keep it accessible: security staff may ask to see it.
Taking e-liquid through airport security
E-liquid follows the same hand-luggage liquid rules as everything else, but those rules now depend on which airport you're flying from. Newer CT scanners have allowed some UK airports to lift the 100ml limit, while others still enforce it.
| Liquid limit per container | Airports (as of September 2026) |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 litres | Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International, Belfast City, Bournemouth |
| 100ml | Most other UK airports, including Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Glasgow, Liverpool, Newcastle, London City and Aberdeen |
Three things catch vapers out:
- The limit is the container size, not how much is in it. A 100ml shortfill usually comes in a 120ml bottle to leave room for nicotine shots, so it won't pass at a 100ml airport even if it isn't full. Standard 10ml nicotine e-liquid bottles are fine everywhere.
- Your return airport may be stricter. Many airports abroad still use the 100ml rule, so pack for the strictest airport on your trip.
- Airport rules change. Check your departure and return airports' websites the week before you fly.
Can you vape at the airport?
Not inside UK terminals. Airports treat vaping like smoking, so you can only vape in designated outdoor smoking areas. Check your airport's website to find them, and whether there are any after security.
Flying with nicotine pouches
Nicotine pouches don't contain a battery, so the lithium battery rules don't apply to them. Keep them in their original cans so they're easy to identify at security, and check your airline's policy on using them on board. The real question is where you're going:
- France: nicotine pouches and other oral nicotine products can no longer be used in France from 1 April 2026, according to the French government. Licensed stop-smoking medicines are exempt. Don't take pouches to France, including on a ferry.
- Singapore: Singapore's Health Sciences Authority prohibits a wide range of tobacco and nicotine products, including dissolvable nicotine products and chewing tobacco. Don't take pouches there either.
For how to use pouches, see our nicotine pouch guide.
Countries where vapes are banned
In these destinations, simply having a vape can get you fined, detained or worse. Leave all vapes, pods and e-liquid at home.
Thailand
The FCDO's Thailand travel advice says it is illegal to possess or use any vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid or heat-not-burn device. Offences can lead to confiscation, fines typically between 5,000 and 30,000 baht, detention and court proceedings, and you may have to stay in Thailand until your case is finished. There are no exceptions for tourists or personal use. Thailand also introduced new deportation rules on 28 August 2026, allowing foreign nationals to be deported without a criminal conviction.
India
The FCDO's India travel advice says vapes and related products are banned: you can't buy them in India or bring them into the country.
Singapore
Buying, having and using vapes has been illegal in Singapore since 2018. From 1 May 2026, Singapore's main tobacco law was renamed the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act, with enhanced penalties for possessing, using, importing and supplying vapes. Singapore's Ministry of Health says foreigners found with vapes will have them seized and be fined, and short-term visitors who reoffend will be banned from re-entering. If your flight connects through Singapore, don't carry vapes or nicotine pouches.
Mexico
A Mexican law that came into force on 16 January 2026 bans importing and selling vapes. The FCDO's Mexico travel advice warns that it's illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and e-liquids into Mexico or to buy and sell them there. Customs officials will confiscate them and could fine or detain you. Smoking or vaping in a public place can also bring a fine of up to 3,000 Mexican pesos. This applies to cruise passengers going ashore as well as people flying in.
Countries with strict restrictions
Australia
Australia treats vapes as pharmacy products, whether or not they contain nicotine. According to Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration, only participating pharmacies can sell any kind of vape. Visitors can bring a small amount for their own use in their accompanied luggage: up to 2 vapes, 20 accessories such as pods or cartridges, and 200ml of e-liquid. You can't post vapes to yourself in Australia.
Turkey
Turkey banned the import of e-cigarettes, their parts and e-liquids in February 2020, so there's no legal way to buy vape supplies there. Bringing a small amount for your own use is generally accepted, but Turkey doesn't publish a clear personal allowance, and larger quantities can be treated as a prohibited import and confiscated. Pack only what you need for your trip, and don't vape anywhere smoking is banned.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Vapes are legally sold in the UAE, and vaping is restricted in the same places as smoking, so use designated smoking areas. The key risk is what's in your e-liquid. The FCDO's UAE travel advice warns that some e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in the UAE, such as CBD oil, and that UAE airports scan the bags of transit passengers too. Only take standard nicotine e-liquids, and never CBD products.
Vaping in Europe
Most European holiday destinations follow the EU's Tobacco Products Directive, so the products you're used to in the UK are familiar there: nicotine e-liquid is capped at 20mg/ml and sold in bottles of up to 10ml. Vaping indoors in public places is generally restricted in the same way as smoking. Individual countries add their own rules, for example:
- France: disposable vapes have been banned from sale since 26 February 2025, according to the French government. Refillable vapes are unaffected, but nicotine pouches are now banned (see above).
- Belgium: disposable vapes have been banned from sale since 1 January 2025.
Spain
Vaping is legal in Spain under EU rules, and you can bring your own kit. Vaping indoors in public places follows the same restrictions as smoking. Bigger changes may be coming: on 21 July 2026, the Spanish government approved a draft law that would ban smoking and vaping on bar and restaurant terraces, beaches, public swimming pools and other outdoor spaces, and treat vapes the same as cigarettes. As of September 2026 it still has to pass through the Spanish parliament and won't apply until it is published in Spain's official gazette. Check the latest position before you travel.
Greece
Vaping is legal in Greece, and you can bring your own kit. Greece's indoor smoking ban also applies to vaping, so don't vape inside bars, restaurants, cafés, hotel lobbies or on public transport. Individuals who break the ban can be fined between €50 and €500. The indoor ban doesn't generally cover open-air areas, but look for signs.
Cyprus and Portugal
Both follow the EU rules above, and you can bring your own vape for personal use. Treat indoor public places, public transport and anywhere with a no-smoking sign as no-vaping areas. If you're visiting the north of Cyprus, remember it sits outside the Republic's EU rules, so check local signs.
Across Europe, local rules on vaping outdoors, such as on beaches and terraces, vary by region and town. Look for signs and follow the same rules as smokers.
What if your vape is confiscated?
- Stay calm and co-operate. Arguing rarely helps.
- Never offer money to officials. Bribery is a serious offence.
- Don't sign anything you don't understand. Ask for a translation.
- Contact the British embassy or consulate if you're detained or face charges. The FCDO has guidance on support for British nationals abroad.
Checklist before you travel
- Check your destination's FCDO travel advice, plus any country you're connecting through.
- Check your departure and return airports' liquid limits.
- Check your airline's rules on vapes, spare batteries and nicotine pouches.
- Pack your vape and batteries in your hand luggage, switched off and protected.
- Take enough e-liquid for your trip if your destination doesn't sell it, within customs limits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my vape in checked luggage?
No. Vapes and spare batteries must go in your hand luggage. Putting them in the hold breaks aviation safety rules.
Can I vape on the plane?
No. Vaping on board isn't allowed on any airline, and you can't charge your vape during the flight either.
Can you take nicotine pouches on a plane?
Generally yes, as they don't contain batteries, but check your airline's policy and your destination. Pouches are banned in France and Singapore.
Can I take disposable vapes on holiday?
The UK ban on disposable vapes, in force since 1 June 2025, makes it illegal for businesses to sell or supply them. It doesn't make owning one an offence. But the usual flying rules still apply (hand luggage only), and your destination's rules matter more: several countries in this guide ban all vapes, and France and Belgium have also banned the sale of disposables. Refillable and prefilled pod kits are the simpler option for travel.
Can I take my vape to Turkey?
Generally yes, in a small personal amount. Turkey bans importing and selling vapes, so you can't buy supplies there, and larger quantities can be confiscated at customs. Pack only what you need for your trip.
Can I take my vape to Cyprus or Greece?
Yes. Both are EU countries where vaping is legal and you can bring your own kit. Don't vape indoors in public places: in Greece, the indoor ban covers vapes and carries fines of up to €500.
Can you vape in Dubai?
Yes, in designated smoking areas. Only take standard nicotine e-liquid: the UK government warns that some refills contain ingredients illegal in the UAE, such as CBD.
Can I take a vape to Mexico?
No. Since 16 January 2026 it's illegal to bring vapes and e-liquids into Mexico, and customs officials can confiscate them, fine you or detain you.