Everyone has to leave for a trip abroad, and vapers certainly wouldn’t want to leave their trusty electronic cigarette at home. In some cases, however, the laws of the country of arrival require particular caution regarding vaping.
In this article we’ll discover in which countries vape is prohibited.
In which countries vape is prohibited?
Vaping is a relatively recent invention, which since its introduction on the market has conquered many smokers of traditional cigarettes. In Italy, the benefits of e-cig on health and on the wallet are now known to all, and every day scientific research, market analyzes and media and information services prove it.
However, this does not apply to the whole world. In certain places, the electronic cigarette is frowned upon, for various reasons and prejudices of the population or rulers. There are states where taxation is very high or liquids containing nicotine are prohibited, others where the sale of the electronic cigarette itself is prohibited due to the (alleged) damage it would cause, and even some where the possession or use of an e-cig is subject to penalties of various kinds.
So, the vaporizer who goes on a trip should know the legal conditions of the country he wants to go to. Depending on the circumstances, he will perhaps have to worry about getting plenty of spare parts and spare fluids, due to a sales ban, or he will even have to part with his e-cig for a while.
But in which countries vape is prohibited? Here is a list of the states most at risk for the vape for each continent, and some tips on the precautions to take before getting on the plane.
But be careful: the data indicated are as updated as possible as of today (May 2019), but it is not possible to guarantee that, even in a short time, the local laws of each country will not change. It is good to look for information on your own, and from official sources of the State in question, before traveling, especially if you intend to go to some places already known to be particularly hostile to vaping.
Europe
By and large, vapers can rest easy when traveling to Europe. The laws governing the use and sale of electronic cigarettes are largely dependent on European ones.
Among these, the most recent legislation is the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), which does not limit the world of vaping in general (except for some dictated by health reasons, such as the one that imposes a maximum nicotine concentration no higher than 20 mg for some refill cartridges).
Only in some countries (EU or non-EU) particular attention should be paid. Among our neighbors, for example, Austria (in addition to having recently abolished the ban on smoking traditional cigarettes in public places) has rather restrictive laws on the sale of e-cigs, which include the prohibition of all advertising and the limitation sales and assistance to specialized stores only (and not online). Therefore, it is best to carry spare parts and liquids with you before leaving.
A more complex situation is found in Norway. Here the purchase and use of the e-cig and any related product is permitted only if you have the opportunity to demonstrate, with a document drawn up in the presence of a doctor, that they are used to quit smoking. For short periods of stay this should not cause problems; if you plan to stay in the country for a long time, however, you will need to go to a local doctor to apply for a permit, according to Norwegian rules.
Finally, halfway between Europe and Asia, Turkey is perhaps the most problematic country from the point of view of vaping regulations. In fact, although vaping in Turkey is not illegal, it is to sell or buy e-cigarettes and liquid. In this case, planning your stay well is essential, as there will be no way to stock up on spare parts or refills on site.
Asia
Among all the continents, the Asian one is probably the most problematic for vapers, so much so that it becomes, in some cases, even risky.
In Japan, for example, vaping is allowed, but liquids with any nicotine content are not, which are regarded as unlicensed and unregulated medicinal substances. It is therefore necessary to pay attention to what you vape in the land of the rising sun.
Among the greats of the continent, China is not a cause for concern: in addition to being the birthplace of the technology and culture of the e-cig, and still producing more than 90% of electronic cigarette components worldwide, it has never known limits. places to vaping.
The case of India is different: although there are no national bans, some regions (including Kashmir, Punjab and Bihar) have prohibited the e-cig trade. In addition, there has been discussion for some time to extend the limitations to use as well as to sale. So, before going to India with your e-cig it is always good to check the latest legislative changes.
The real problem for vapers are several other states, especially the main ones in Southeast Asia, which seems to be the region that most opposes the practice of electronic cigarettes. In Vietnam and Cambodia, for example, not only the sale, but also all forms of use of the electronic cigarette are prohibited by the penal code; the same is true for Brunei, which classifies e-cig as a product that imitates tobacco, and as such illegal.
But Thailand holds the absolute primacy of enemy country of vaping. Sources from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirm this: “In Thailand it is expressly forbidden to own, sell, import and export electronic cigarettes and their components. Anyone found in possession of an electronic cigarette, including foreigners who are in Thailand for tourism reasons, is punishable by a fine equal to five times the value of the property, to which can be added a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment ” . Therefore, it is good not to risk, and to leave your e-cig and all related material at home before leaving, for the protection of yourself and your possessions.
Finally, attention must also be paid to the three smaller countries, namely Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore: even here vape is prohibited. Furthermore, in Taiwan, liquids and any substance containing nicotine are classified as medicines, and to possess them you need a special permit, according to the provisions of the Ministry of Health.
Africa
Even African legislation hasn’t always proved progressive with regards to vaping, and sometimes has real holes in it. So in Morocco, where the legal situation is still unclear, or in Egypt, thanks to the complex situation of local politics and society, but also in Tunisia, where the e-cig is subject to a national monopoly and cases of seizure have been reported. of e-cig or liquid containers from the authorities.
Often, the electronic cigarette is allowed but with limitations. In South Africa, for example, the free sale of e-liquids containing nicotine is prohibited. Vaping seems to be legal in Nigeria too, but not in public areas. Uganda, on the other hand, is the only African country of which it can be said with certainty that it prohibits the use of any vape system, in all circumstances.
However, the lack of clarity in legislation in many African states requires particular caution. In such cases, it is again recommended to consult official sources immediately before embarking on your travels.
USA
In North America, the traveling vape will not have any particular problems and, indeed, will sometimes be able to take the opportunity to stock up on quality products locally. Attention only to the different laws of the various US states: each of them applies its own restrictions on vaping in public buildings, and it is good to inquire before using your e-cig.
The situation is getting worse in Central America. In Cuba, the homeland of cigars and combustion tobacco, vaping is theoretically allowed everywhere, but unofficial sources claim that some travelers have been confiscated e-cig and liquids, even without legal rights and bases. The situation is also uncertain in the Dominican Republic, where it seems that the authorities contest not so much the use of the e-cig as its air transport in hand luggage (caution is therefore required before boarding the airport).
In small Antigua and Barbuda, then, the importation of vaping products is completely prohibited, without exception, not even for personal reasons of use.
Particular caution is also needed if you intend to travel safely in Mexico: following a 2015 regulation, still in force despite the grievances of the supreme judicial bodies, Mexico bans the sale and promotion of all products that imitate tobacco, including the e-cig. Possession, in theory, is not prohibited: nevertheless, even in this case, it seems that there have been some kidnappings, which requires us to be very careful.
But it is Latin America which – second only to Southeast Asia – is largely the enemy of vaping. Beyond some uncertain situations and still under discussion, for which it is advisable to inquire in advance (as in Colombia, Peru and Bolivia), please note that in Argentina and Venezuela vape is prohibited.
It is also good to use caution in Brazil, where the sale of e-cigs and e-liquids is prohibited, as well as their use in public; however, possession and personal use are allowed in any quantity, as long as the authorities do not give the impression of wanting to advertise or sell their products (for example, it is better to avoid transporting them in their original packaging).
Oceania
Finally, Oceania presents strong contrasts regarding vape. On the one hand, in fact, New Zealand is among the most progressive countries in the world in terms of electronic cigarettes and favors their use.
On the other hand, Australia, the largest state in the region, imposes severe restrictions on vaping. In fact, it is not possible to sell or use any liquid that contains a grade of nicotine; moreover, in some regions it is not even allowed to buy any vaping product.
