Last fact-checked: January 2026
Planning a holiday and wondering whether you can take your vape on a plane? You're not alone - it's one of the most common questions we get asked. The short answer is yes, you can fly with a vape, but there are strict rules about how you pack it. More importantly, vaping laws vary dramatically by country, and getting it wrong could mean fines, confiscation, or even prison time.
In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about travelling with your vape kit, from airport security rules to country-by-country regulations for the UK's most popular holiday destinations.
Disposable vapes have been banned from sale in the UK since 1 June 2025. However, you can still travel with disposables you already own — the ban targets sale and supply, not personal possession. Several EU countries including France and Belgium have also banned disposable sales.
In This Guide
Can You Take a Vape on a Plane?
Yes, you can take a vape on a plane departing from the UK. However, there are strict rules you must follow, and breaking them could result in your device being confiscated or even being denied boarding.
Here's what you need to know:
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Where to pack your vape | Hand luggage (carry-on) ONLY — never in checked baggage |
| Why hand luggage only? | Lithium-ion batteries pose a fire risk in the aircraft hold |
| E-liquid allowance | Bottles must be 100ml or less, in a clear plastic bag |
| Vaping on the plane | Strictly prohibited on all commercial flights |
| Charging on the plane | Not permitted |
| Device limit | Most airlines allow up to 15-20 lithium battery devices |
Vape devices contain lithium-ion batteries, which are classified as dangerous goods when stored in aircraft cargo holds. If a battery malfunctions in the hold, crew cannot access it to extinguish a fire. This rule applies to all airlines worldwide — there are no exceptions.
Vapes in Hand Luggage: What You Need to Know
When packing your vape for a flight, follow these steps to avoid problems at security:
1. Empty or protect your tank
Changes in cabin pressure can cause e-liquid to leak. Either empty your tank before flying or store your device upside down (with the mouthpiece facing down) to minimise leakage.
2. Turn off your device
Switch off your vape completely, or if it doesn't have an on/off function, ensure it's locked or protected so it can't accidentally activate in your bag.
3. Store batteries safely
If you're carrying spare vape batteries, keep them in a protective battery case. Never carry loose batteries — they can short-circuit if the terminals touch metal objects like keys or coins.
4. Keep it accessible
You may be asked to show your vape device separately at security, similar to laptops or tablets.
Taking E-Liquid on a Plane
E-liquid is subject to the same rules as all other liquids in hand luggage:
- Each bottle must be 100ml or smaller
- All bottles must fit in a single clear, resealable plastic bag (approximately 20cm x 20cm)
- You're allowed one plastic bag per person
Since UK-compliant nicotine e-liquids come in 10ml bottles (as required by the Tobacco Products Directive), you shouldn't have any issues. You could theoretically pack up to 10 bottles in your liquids bag, giving you 100ml of e-liquid for your trip.
If you need more e-liquid than the 100ml hand luggage allowance, you can pack additional sealed bottles in your checked luggage. Just remember: only the liquid goes in the hold - your actual vape device must stay in your hand luggage.
What the Airlines Say
While the core rules are consistent across all airlines, here's what some major UK carriers specifically state:
British Airways: "Place these items in your hand baggage (not in checked baggage) and protect each of them to prevent accidental activation. If there are any liquid components, you also need to follow the safety requirements for liquids. You cannot use e-cigarettes, vapes or similar items on board."
easyJet: "You can carry cigarettes in your cabin bag. Electronic cigarettes are also allowed in your cabin bag but cannot be used on board the aircraft."
TUI: "E-cigarettes or electronic smoking devices and their batteries may only be carried in your hand baggage (recharging or use on board is prohibited)."
Ryanair: "Electronic cigarettes may only be carried on your person or in your carry-on baggage. Use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted on board."
The rules are consistent: vapes go in hand luggage, e-liquids follow the 100ml liquid rules, and you absolutely cannot vape on the plane. Always double-check your airline's specific policy before travelling.
Can You Vape in UK Airports?
Vaping is not permitted inside any UK airport terminal. Most airports treat vaping the same as smoking, meaning you can only vape in designated outdoor smoking areas.
| Airport | Vaping Policy |
|---|---|
| Heathrow | Designated smoking areas outside terminals only |
| Gatwick | No vaping beyond security; outdoor areas only |
| Manchester | Airside smoking zones in Terminal 1 and 2 |
| Stansted | Outdoor smoking areas outside terminal entrance |
| Birmingham | Designated outdoor smoking areas only |
| Edinburgh | Outdoor smoking area near Gate 2 |
Once you're through security, you generally won't be able to vape until you reach your destination. Plan accordingly — consider using nicotine pouches as a discreet alternative during long journeys.
Countries Where Vaping is Banned
Before you pack your vape, you need to check the laws at your destination. Some countries have completely banned vaping, and the penalties can be severe — including heavy fines and imprisonment.
The following popular destinations have complete or near-complete bans on vaping. Taking a vape to these countries could result in confiscation, fines, or criminal prosecution.
Thailand: Complete Ban
Vaping has been illegal in Thailand since 2014. This is one of the strictest vaping bans in the world, and it applies to tourists as well as residents.
The UK Government's official travel advice is unambiguous:
"E-cigarettes are illegal. You could be fined or imprisoned for carrying or using them."
— GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice: Thailand
| Offence | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|
| Possession/use of e-cigarette | Fine up to 30,000 Baht (~£700) or up to 5 years imprisonment |
| Importing vaping products | Up to 10 years imprisonment under Customs Act |
| Selling vaping products | Up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to 500,000 Baht |
The Royal Thai Embassy in London has issued a clear warning stating that anyone found using an electronic cigarette in Thailand "could be arrested and face jail time, or a fine several times the value of the illegal item(s)."
Our advice: Do not take any vaping products to Thailand. Leave your vape at home and consider nicotine patches or gum if you need nicotine during your trip.
India: Complete Ban
Vaping is completely banned across India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019. You cannot buy vapes in India, and you cannot bring them into the country.
The UK Government confirms:
"Vapes and related products are banned. You cannot buy vapes in India or bring them into the country."
— GOV.UK Foreign Travel Advice: India
Penalties for breaking this law include fines and imprisonment. If you're trying to quit smoking, pack nicotine patches or gum instead — NRT products are available in India, though selection may be limited compared to the UK.
Singapore: Complete Ban
Singapore has some of the strictest anti-vaping laws in the world. The import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes is completely prohibited. Customs officers actively search for vaping products, and enforcement is rigorous.
Between January 2024 and March 2025, Singapore authorities checked over 20,800 travellers and caught 101 individuals with e-cigarettes. Penalties include fines up to S$10,000 (approximately £5,800) for first-time offenders.
Other Countries with Vaping Bans
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Banned | Import, sale and advertising prohibited |
| Mexico | Banned | Import and sale banned since 2022 |
| Qatar | Banned | Import and use prohibited |
| Argentina | Restricted | Cannot be purchased locally; personal import grey area |
| Vietnam | Banned | Proposed fines of up to 5 million VND |
| Cambodia | Banned | Import and sale prohibited |
Countries Where Vaping is Restricted
The following destinations allow vaping but have significant restrictions you need to be aware of.
Turkey: Can Use, Cannot Buy
Turkey has a complex approach to vaping. Using a vape is technically legal, but the sale and import of vaping products is banned under Presidential Decree No. 2149 (February 2020).
| What You Can Do | What You Cannot Do |
|---|---|
| Bring a vape for personal use | Buy vapes or e-liquid in Turkey |
| Vape in designated smoking areas | Vape in enclosed public spaces |
| Vape on private property/hotel balconies | Import large quantities (commercial amounts) |
Personal use allowances:
- Up to 10 disposable vapes
- Up to 5 refillable devices
- Up to 30ml of e-liquid
Turkey classifies vapes as tobacco products, so all smoking restrictions apply. The legal age for vaping in Turkey is 19 (not 18 as in the UK). If you see a no-smoking sign, it applies to vaping too.
Since you cannot buy replacement e-liquid in Turkey, pack enough to last your entire trip. Heavy vapers may want to consider switching to higher-strength nic salt e-liquids before travelling to reduce consumption.
United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Legal But Regulated
Good news for vapers heading to Dubai: The UAE lifted its ban on e-cigarettes in April 2019, and vaping is now legal. However, there are strict rules about where you can vape.
| Where You CAN Vape | Where You CANNOT Vape |
|---|---|
| Designated smoking areas | Shopping malls |
| Hotel balconies (check with hotel) | Public transport |
| Private residences | Government buildings |
| Licensed outdoor areas | Hospitals and healthcare facilities |
| Inside vehicles |
Key rules for the UAE:
- Minimum age to purchase/use vaping products: 18
- Products must meet Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) standards
- Vaping products can be purchased from licensed pharmacies and designated vape shops
- Fines for vaping in prohibited areas range from 200-500 AED (£45-£110)
The UK Government warns that "some skincare products and e-cigarette refills may contain ingredients that are illegal in the UAE such as CBD oil." If found in possession of prohibited substances, you could face criminal charges. Stick to standard nicotine e-liquids from reputable brands.
Australia: Prescription Required
Australia treats nicotine vaping products as prescription medicines. You need a valid prescription from an Australian doctor to legally possess nicotine e-liquid. While enforcement for tourists is generally relaxed, technically you could face issues bringing nicotine products without a prescription.
Nicotine-free vapes are legal to purchase and use.
Vaping in EU Countries
The good news for UK holidaymakers is that most EU countries follow the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which means similar rules to what you're used to in the UK:
- Maximum nicotine strength: 20mg/ml
- Maximum e-liquid bottle size (with nicotine): 10ml
- Maximum tank capacity: 2ml
- Products must carry health warnings
However, individual countries add their own rules on top of the TPD. Here's what you need to know about popular destinations:
Spain
Vaping is legal in Spain and follows standard TPD rules. You can buy vapes and e-liquid in specialist shops and some tobacconists.
Where you can vape: Outdoor public spaces, private property, some bar/restaurant terraces (ask first)
Where you cannot vape: Enclosed public spaces, public transport, beaches in some regions (Barcelona beaches have smoking/vaping bans), playgrounds and areas near schools
Greece
Vaping is legal in Greece for adults (18+). The country follows TPD rules, and vaping products are available in specialist shops.
Important: Since September 2018, shops in Greece cannot sell nicotine-free e-liquids. If you prefer zero-nicotine vaping, bring your own supply.
Where you can vape: Officially, wherever smoking is allowed — though enforcement of smoking bans is notoriously relaxed in Greece
Portugal
Vaping is legal in Portugal, though shops require special licences to sell vaping products, so they can be harder to find than in the UK.
Where you cannot vape: Enclosed public spaces, public transport, near children
France
Vaping is legal in France, but disposable vapes have been banned since 26 February 2025. This affects both sales and potentially what you can bring into the country.
Refillable vapes and e-liquids remain legal and widely available.
Where you cannot vape: Public transport, workplaces, establishments serving minors (schools, playgrounds, etc.)
Italy
Vaping is legal in most of Italy, with products available in tobacconists and specialist shops.
Important restrictions:
- Vaping is banned in Vatican City
- Some regions (Veneto, Sardinia) have stricter smoke-free rules that include vaping
- Indoor public spaces generally prohibit vaping
Netherlands
Vaping is legal but heavily regulated. Flavoured e-liquids (except tobacco flavour) have been banned since 2024. If you want to vape your favourite fruit or dessert flavours, bring enough from the UK.
EU Countries: Quick Reference
| Country | Legal Status | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | ✓ Legal | Beach bans in some areas |
| Greece | ✓ Legal | No zero-nic e-liquid sales |
| Portugal | ✓ Legal | Limited shop availability |
| France | ✓ Legal | Disposables banned |
| Italy | ✓ Legal | Banned in Vatican City |
| Germany | ✓ Legal | Standard TPD rules |
| Netherlands | ✓ Legal | Flavour ban (tobacco only) |
| Belgium | ✓ Legal | Disposables banned |
| Cyprus | ✓ Legal | Standard TPD rules |
| Croatia | ✓ Legal | Standard TPD rules |
United States
Vaping is legal at the federal level in the USA, but regulations vary significantly by state. The FDA regulates vaping products, and all products must be authorised for sale.
Key differences from the UK:
- Legal age is 21 (not 18)
- No TPD-style limits on nicotine strength — US e-liquids can be much stronger than UK products
- No tank capacity limits
- Flavour bans in some states (California, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey)
Many coastal states ban indoor vaping (California, New York, Vermont, Maine). Cities often have their own additional restrictions — for example, Chicago only allows vaping inside vape shops.
If you buy e-liquid in the US, check the nicotine strength carefully. American vape shops may sell liquids much stronger than the 20mg/ml UK maximum. If you're not used to high-strength nicotine, stick to what you've brought from home.
Packing Checklist for Vapers
Use this checklist to make sure you're prepared for your trip:
| Item | Hand Luggage | Checked Luggage |
|---|---|---|
| Vape device(s) | ✓ Required | ✗ Not allowed |
| Spare batteries | ✓ Required (in case) | ✗ Not allowed |
| E-liquid (≤100ml each) | ✓ In clear bag | ✓ Optional extra |
| Spare coils | ✓ or checked | ✓ Allowed |
| Charging cable | ✓ Recommended | ✓ Allowed |
| Battery case | ✓ Essential | N/A |
Before you travel:
- Check your destination's vaping laws (use this guide and official government sources)
- Calculate how much e-liquid you'll need for your trip
- Pack enough supplies - you may not be able to buy what you need abroad
- Empty or protect your tank to prevent leaks
- Turn off your device or lock it
- Consider nicotine alternatives (patches, gum, pouches) for countries with bans
What If Your Vape Is Confiscated?
If you're stopped at customs or by police in a country where vaping is restricted or banned:
- Stay calm and cooperate - arguing will only make things worse
- Don't attempt to bribe officials - this is a serious offence in most countries
- Accept confiscation gracefully - losing a vape is better than facing criminal charges
- Contact the British Embassy if you're detained or face serious charges
- Don't sign documents you don't understand - request a translation
Need Supplies Before You Travel?
Make sure you're fully stocked before your holiday. Browse our full range of travel-friendly vaping supplies:
- E-Liquids — stock up on your favourite flavours
- Nic Salt E-Liquids — higher strength for lower consumption
- Pod Kits — compact and travel-friendly
- Battery Cases — essential for safe transport
- Nicotine Pouches — a discreet alternative for flights and restricted countries
We offer free Royal Mail Tracked 24 delivery on orders over £20, so you can get your supplies quickly before your trip.
Have questions about travelling with your vape? Get in touch - our team is happy to help.
Stay safe and happy travels!
Sources
- GOV.UK. "Foreign travel advice: Thailand — Safety and security." Available at: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security
- GOV.UK. "Foreign travel advice: India — Safety and security." Available at: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india/safety-and-security
- GOV.UK. "Foreign travel advice: United Arab Emirates — Safety and security." Available at: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/united-arab-emirates/safety-and-security
- Royal Thai Embassy, London. "Prohibition of e-cigarettes." Available at: london.thaiembassy.org
- Civil Aviation Authority. "Dangerous goods guidance." Available at: caa.co.uk
- European Commission. "Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU)." Available at: health.ec.europa.eu
- Global Tobacco Control. "Country Laws Regulating E-Cigarettes." Available at: globaltobaccocontrol.org
This guide is provided for informational purposes only. Vaping laws change frequently - always check the latest official government advice for your destination before travelling. Last updated: January 2026.