A Global Guide to Vape Rules in Popular Tourist Destinations (2025)

As international travel continues to rebound and vaping remains a popular habit for millions worldwide, navigating the diverse and often strict e-cigarette regulations in popular holiday destinations is more crucial than ever. What might be a perfectly legal activity in your home country could lead to hefty fines, confiscation of your device, or even more severe penalties abroad. With countries constantly reviewing and updating their stances on vaping – some implementing full bans, others restricting flavors or public use – staying informed is key to a hassle-free vacation. This guide provides an overview of vaping laws in some of the world’s most visited countries as of 2025, helping all international travelers understand where they can (and cannot) vape.

The confusion is understandable. Even within regions like the UK, recent changes, such as the ban on disposable vapes effective June 1, 2025, highlight how quickly the regulatory landscape can shift. This domestic change in the UK might make British travelers particularly conscious of rules elsewhere, but all vapers, regardless of origin, need to be aware that international laws vary dramatically.

Vaping Regulations in Top Tourist Destinations (2025 Overview)

The following information, based on recent reports and data (including from sources like the Electric Tobacconist and general travel advisories, with tourist arrival figures indicative of 2024 trends), provides a snapshot of what travelers can expect. Always double-check the very latest regulations with official government sources or your airline before traveling, as laws can change rapidly.

Fine amounts are approximate and can vary based on specific circumstances and exchange rates.

Rank (by 2024 Tourist Arrivals)	Country	Is Vaping Generally Legal for Adults?	Potential Fines for Public Vaping / Violations	Key Notes / Restrictions
1	France	Yes	None specifically for general vaping in permitted areas; up to €135 for smoking (and potentially vaping if included) in newly banned outdoor child-frequented public spaces from July 1, 2025.	Nicotine cartridges/e-liquids must not exceed 20mg/ml. New outdoor smoking ban (July 2025) in parks, beaches, near schools doesn’t currently include e-cigarettes, but future restrictions on vape nicotine levels are being considered. Vaping is banned indoors in public places.
2	Spain	Yes, with restrictions	€200+ (approx. £168 / $215 USD) for vaping on some public beaches; up to €500 for indoor public venue violations.	Vaping banned on many public beaches and in all enclosed public spaces. Stricter nationwide outdoor bans (potentially including café terraces and vapes) are under consideration.
3	United States	Yes, with significant variations	£40 – £420 (approx. $50 – $530 USD) depending on state/local law.	Laws vary massively by state and city. Federal age is 21. Some states/cities have comprehensive flavor bans (e.g., California, Massachusetts, New York City), high taxes, and strict indoor/outdoor public vaping bans. Others are more permissive. Research specific destination state/city laws.
4	Turkey	Effectively Banned (Sale/Import) / Highly Restricted (Use)	Low, often symbolic (e.g., ~£1 / $1.25 USD for use where smoking is banned). More serious penalties for import/sale.	Sale and import of e-cigarettes and e-liquids are banned. While personal use by tourists might be tolerated in some outdoor designated smoking areas, enforcement can be inconsistent. Possession can be risky.
5	Italy	Yes, with restrictions	£20 – £460 (approx. $25 – $580 USD) depending on region/violation.	Vaping banned in enclosed public spaces. Stricter regional rules apply in places like Veneto (Venice) and Sardinia. Age 18+ for purchase. New 2025 rules tighten sales to minors and online sales.
6	Mexico	No (Total Ban on Sales/Import)	£150+ (approx. $190 USD) for possession/use. Potential for device confiscation, deportation.	Mexico enforces a total ban on the sale, import, and distribution of all e-cigarettes and vaping devices, regardless of nicotine content. Possession and use by tourists can lead to fines and other serious penalties. Avoid bringing vapes to Mexico.
7	Germany	Yes	None for general vaping in permitted areas; fines apply if vaping where smoking is banned (e.g., state of Hesse, Lower Saxony extending bans to vapes).	Vaping generally follows smoking rules. Indoor public place bans common. Some states (e.g., Lower Saxony) are explicitly including vapes in broader public smoking bans effective 2025.
8	Japan	Effectively Banned (Nicotine E-liquids) / Highly Restricted (Devices & Non-Nicotine)	£5,668+ (approx. $7,150 USD / ¥1,000,000) for violations, especially involving nicotine.	Sale and use of nicotine-containing e-liquids are illegal under pharmaceutical laws (unless medically approved, which is rare for tourists). Non-nicotine vapes are legal but heavily restricted to designated smoking areas only. Strict enforcement. Fines for vaping outside designated spaces are severe.
9	Greece	Yes	None specifically for general vaping in permitted areas; fines apply if vaping where smoking is banned.	Considered among the more relaxed regulations for adult users in major tourist destinations regarding product availability, but indoor public place bans still apply.
10	Thailand	No (Total Ban)	£113+ (approx. $140 USD) and/or imprisonment up to 5-10 years.	Thailand has a total ban on the import, export, sale, and possession of e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Penalties are extremely severe, including hefty fines and potential lengthy prison sentences. Tourists are strongly advised NOT to bring vapes into Thailand.

*Refers to general legality for adult personal use; specific product restrictions (flavors, nicotine strength) may still apply. **Fine ranges are indicative and subject to change and local enforcement.

Key Considerations for Vaping Travelers in 2025

Research Before You Go: This is the golden rule. Before packing your vape, thoroughly research the specific laws of your destination country, and even the specific region or city you’ll be visiting. Official government tourism websites, your country’s foreign travel advice pages, and reputable vaping advocacy groups can be good sources.
Airline Regulations: Remember that all airlines require vape devices and spare lithium-ion batteries to be carried in your carry-on luggage only, never in checked bags, due to fire risk. Vaping or charging devices onboard is strictly prohibited.
“Effectively Banned” vs. “Tolerated”: In some countries listed as having bans (e.g., Turkey), enforcement against tourists for discreet personal use in designated smoking areas might be lax. However, this is a significant risk, as the law still permits penalties. In other countries with total bans (e.g., Thailand, Mexico, Singapore, India, Brazil), enforcement can be very strict with severe consequences.
Respect Local Customs: Even where vaping is legal, be mindful of those around you. Avoid vaping in crowded places, near children, or where it might cause offense. When in doubt, ask or refrain.

Conclusion: Vape Smart, Travel Safe

The global regulatory landscape for vaping is complex and constantly shifting. For international travelers who vape, being well-informed and respectful of local laws is paramount to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip, free from unexpected fines or legal trouble. While some destinations remain relatively vape-friendly for adults, many others have implemented strict controls or outright bans. Prioritize thorough research before you depart, understand the specific rules of your destination, and always err on the side of caution. Responsible vaping while traveling not only protects you but also respects the laws and customs of the places you visit.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.