A Guide To Travelling With Vape Devices In 2025
Got a holiday booked and planning to take your vape kit along? This helpful guide will tell you everything you need to know before jetting off!
Rules On Vaping Inside Airports
E-cigarettes can not be used inside any UK airport. However, most if not all UK airports do offer designated smoking and vaping areas situated outside of the terminal for staff and customers to use.
E-cigarettes and Airport Security
For both domestic and international flights, travellers are not permitted to store e-cigarettes and batteries in their checked hold baggage. Instead, your vaping device will need to stay inside your carry-on baggage at all times.
Just like any other liquid, airports require travellers to seal all e-liquids inside a clear bag. It’s also important to note that the 100ml liquid rule also applies to vape juices.
For maximum safety, make sure to turn off your vape and disconnect any mod devices from any tanks or clearomisers. Remember to declare any tanks in the same plastic bag, and ensure to empty any remaining e-liquid to prevent any leakage during the flight.
Carrying E-cigarettes on Planes
As all airlines prohibit the charging of e-cigarettes on planes, ensure to power up your device before setting off on your journey. As with smoking, vaping on a plane is entirely prohibited, and it’s extremely unlikely that this rule will ever change.
Vaping in Hotel Rooms
The rules surrounding vaping in your hotel room will differ depending on where you have chosen to stay. To avoid any problems such as setting off the smoke alarm or room cleaning fees, make sure to confirm with a staff member if this is allowed.
Which Countries Have Restricted or Banned the Use of E-cigarettes and E-liquids?
Remember, each country will have its own set of rules regarding vaping, so it’s best to check these beforehand. For example, certain countries have specific restrictions on vape pens and e-liquids, while others have banned them completely.
Countries With Restricted Vaping Laws:
- Japan
- Australia
- Chile
- South Africa
Countries Who Have Banned Vaping:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Colombia
- Egypt
- Gambia
- Hong Kong
- India
- Indonesia
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Philippines
- Qatar
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Turkey
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
Rules On Vaping Inside Airports
E-cigarettes cannot be used inside any UK airport terminal. The same restrictions that apply to smoking generally apply to vaping. However, most UK airports provide designated outdoor smoking/vaping areas before security.
Once you’ve passed security checks, very few UK airports have vaping areas — so if you need a puff before your flight, use the outdoor zone before heading through.
Pro tip: International airports have varied rules. Some overseas hubs (e.g. Dubai, Singapore Changi) have dedicated smoking lounges airside, but many do not — check the airport’s official map before you travel.
E-cigarettes and Airport Security
For both domestic and international flights:
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Vape devices and batteries must travel in your carry-on luggage only. Lithium-ion batteries are prohibited in checked baggage due to fire risk.
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E-liquids must follow the UK’s liquids rule: bottles no larger than 100ml, stored in a clear, resealable plastic bag, with a total combined capacity of 1 litre or less.
Before security screening:
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Turn your device fully off (not just in sleep mode).
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If you use a mod, separate the tank from the battery and empty any remaining e-liquid to prevent leaks caused by cabin pressure changes.
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Keep tanks and pods in the liquids bag if they contain e-liquid.
Carrying E-cigarettes on Planes
While you can bring your vape device in the cabin, charging and using it on board is prohibited worldwide. Attempting to vape on a plane — even in the toilet — can result in heavy fines and possible legal consequences.
Modern aircraft have detectors that can pick up vapour, so it’s not worth the risk. If nicotine cravings are a concern, nicotine pouches or gum are discreet, flight-safe alternatives.
Vaping in Hotel Rooms
Policies vary by hotel and country:
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Many hotels ban vaping indoors for the same reasons as smoking bans — smoke detectors, fire safety, and cleaning concerns.
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Always ask at check-in or check the hotel’s website. Some hotels may allow vaping on balconies or designated outdoor areas.
If in doubt, vape outside to avoid fines or cleaning charges.
The 2025 Disposable Vape Ban – What Travellers Need to Know
From 1 June 2025, the UK banned the sale of disposable vapes. While travelling with ones you already own isn’t illegal, be aware:
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Some countries (and certain UK airports) now ban disposables entirely.
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Many event venues, festivals, and even hotels refuse entry with disposables for sustainability reasons.
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Customs officers in some regions may confiscate them on arrival.
If you rely on disposables, consider switching to a refillable pod kit or pre-filled pod system before you travel — they’re legal, reusable, and easier to manage abroad.
Which Countries Have Restricted or Banned Vaping?
Always check before travelling. Vape laws change regularly, and penalties in some countries can be severe.
Countries With Restricted Vaping Laws
(Sales allowed under medical licence or with restrictions)
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Japan – Only nicotine-free vapes sold; nicotine liquids are prescription-only.
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Australia – Nicotine liquids require a doctor’s prescription.
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Chile – Nicotine vapes classed as medicines; no over-the-counter sales.
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South Africa – Regulated like tobacco; public use restrictions apply.
Countries That Have Fully Banned Vaping
(Import, sale, and use prohibited)
Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Colombia, Egypt, Gambia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam.
In these countries, possession alone may result in confiscation, fines, or legal penalties.
Airline Vape Policies – Why You Should Check Before Flying
While the UK Civil Aviation Authority sets general rules, airline-specific policies vary:
|
Airline |
Carry-On |
Checked Baggage |
Usage Onboard |
Notes |
|
British Airways |
Yes |
No |
No |
Max 15 lithium batteries; liquids follow 100ml rule. |
|
Ryanair |
Yes |
No |
No |
Allows up to 20 disposables in carry-on. |
|
easyJet |
Yes |
No |
No |
Max two spare batteries in carry-on. |
|
Emirates |
Yes |
No |
No |
Must be individually protected. |
|
Qantas |
Yes |
No |
No |
No charging or use onboard. |
Tip: If unsure, call the airline before your trip — especially if travelling with large quantities of pods, disposables, or spare batteries.
Packing Your Vape for Air Travel
To travel with your vape safely and avoid damage or leaks:
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Switch off your device completely before packing.
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Wrap spare batteries individually in non-conductive material or store them in a dedicated battery case.
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Empty tanks and pods — pressure changes can cause leaks or cracks.
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Place e-liquids in leak-proof bags and within the clear airport liquids bag if in carry-on.
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Use protective cases for devices to avoid accidental activation or impact damage.
E-liquids and International Travel
While the UK limits nicotine e-liquids to 20mg/ml and bottles to 10ml for pre-mixed products, other countries may have different rules:
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New Zealand – Allows higher strengths; 30ml+ bottles common.
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USA – State-level restrictions on flavours and nicotine vary.
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EU countries – Follow similar TPD rules to the UK.
If travelling somewhere with higher limits, be careful not to purchase strengths you’re unused to, as they may cause discomfort.
Using Vapes Abroad – Respecting Local Laws and Customs
Even if vaping is legal in your destination:
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Avoid vaping in public transport, restaurants, and busy public areas unless clearly permitted.
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Look for designated smoking/vaping zones to avoid fines or complaints.
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Be aware that vaping may be less socially accepted in some regions than in the UK.
Nicotine Alternatives for Flights and Vape-Restricted Areas
Long-haul flights and vape bans don’t have to mean going without nicotine so its advisable to have some alternatives with you if you are unable to use your nicotine pouches. Nicotine gum are one of the best alternatives, as they are widely available and travel friendly. Carrying a small supply means you can manage cravings without breaking laws or rules.
Pre-Travel Checklist for Vape Users
Before heading to the airport:
✔ Check airline and airport vaping rules.
✔ Research destination country laws.
✔ Charge devices fully (but don’t charge on the plane).
✔ Pack e-liquids within liquid limits.
✔ Protect batteries in cases.
✔ Consider alternatives for restricted zones.
Final Tips:
- Make sure to stock up on all of your favourite e-liquids before travelling. This is especially important if you plan to stay in a remote area with limited access to shopping centres.
- When it comes to short trips, try to pack lightly. Loading your luggage with more vape equipment than you need may raise suspicion among the security guards and slow down your journey.
- While in public, always try to vape respectfully and keep in mind that e-cigarettes may not be as socially accepted in your holiday destination as they are in the UK.
- If you’re travelling to a hot country, never leave your e-liquids sitting in the sun. This is because heat, light, and air can disrupt the molecules in your vape juice and weaken the flavour.
