Guide to Vaping in the Czech Republic in 2024
If you’re a British vaper looking for an affordable and vape-friendly city break, look no further than the Czech Republic, also known as Czechia. With stunning cities like Prague, boasting breathtaking architecture, vibrant nightlife, rich culture, and incredibly affordable pints, it’s no wonder that Czechia has become a top destination for UK travelers. The best part? The Czech Republic is one of the most vape-friendly places to visit in Europe. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your next vaping getaway to Czechia.
Vaping Legality in the Czech Republic
Rest assured, vaping is completely legal in the Czech Republic. The country’s vaping regulations are very similar to those in the UK, making it an effortless transition for British vapers. You can freely enjoy your e-cigarette while exploring the streets, and you’ll have access to plenty of vape retailers once you arrive, making Czechia incredibly accommodating for travel-vapers.
Unlike many other nations that classify e-cigarettes and vaping products as tobacco products, the Czech Republic has had its own dedicated set of e-cigarette regulations since 2017. This progressive approach means that Czechia is particularly easy-going for vapers. As long as your vaping devices comply with standard TPD restrictions, such as a nicotine cap of 20mg/ml and e-liquid refills being no larger than 10ml in volume, you can bring them with you into the country. The only other restrictions will be dictated by your airline provider’s individual policies, which you can learn more about in our complete vape travel guide.
However, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for no-smoking signs while in Czechia. Anywhere smoking is prohibited also applies to vaping. Follow the same vaping etiquette as you would in the UK, and you’ll have a hassle-free experience while visiting the Czech Republic.
Vape Regulations in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic enforces almost identical regulations for vaping products as the UK. If you’re familiar with the 2017 TPD rules, you’ll be well-prepared for traveling to Czechia as a vaper. Just ensure that your devices hold no more than 2ml of vape liquid and that the liquid has a nicotine strength of 20mg/ml or lower1.
Decree No. 37/2017 governs vaping products in the Czech Republic. Similar to how UK manufacturers/importers must obtain Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approval before legally selling a vaping product, Czech equivalents must be submitted to the Ministry of Health. This means that when buying a vape in Czechia, you can be assured that a baseline of safety standards has been met. Notification requires compliance with a range of product specifications, including on-pack warnings, allowing you to vape safely while on holiday.
Czech Republic vape regulations include2:
- Minimum age of 18 years for vaping
- Nicotine content in e-liquid must not exceed 20mg/ml
- Single-use e-cigarettes and e-cigarette tanks must not exceed 2ml capacity
- E-liquid refill bottles must not exceed 10ml in volume
- E-liquid should not contain certain additives, and only high-quality ingredients should be used in their manufacture
- Except for nicotine, only ingredients that do not pose a risk to human health in heated or unheated form can be used in nicotine-containing e-liquid
- E-cigarettes must deliver a consistent dose of nicotine under normal conditions of use
- E-cigarettes and refill containers should be child-proof, tamper-proof, protected against breakage and leakage, and have a mechanism that ensures filling without leakage
- Product packaging must contain health warnings and constituent information as specified by law
- The warning “Tento výrobek obsahuje nikotin, který je vysoce návykovou látkou. Jeho užití nekuřáky se nedoporučuje.” (“This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance. It is not recommended for use by non-smokers”) must appear on 30% of each of the two largest surfaces of the unit packaging and any other packaging
Can You Bring Disposable Vapes to the Czech Republic
Disposable vapes, like Ecigator, or Elf Bars, are legal in the Czech Republic, just like any other vaping device. As long as they contain no more than 2ml of e-liquid per device and have a nicotine strength of 20mg/ml or lower, you can bring a disposable vape with you to Czechia.
The Czech Republic does not impose any individual restrictions on disposable vapes beyond those that apply to all vaping products. While larger “big-puff” devices have gained popularity among UK vapers despite being illegal in Britain due to exceeding the 2ml volume limit and often having nicotine strengths higher than 20mg/ml, do not attempt to bring these kits to the Czech Republic, as they are just as illegal there as they are in the UK.
Stick to TPD-compliant models with around 600 puffs and a nicotine strength of 20mg or lower, and you won’t have any issues. Just remember to check your airline’s individual policies before flying, as some impose limits on the number of disposable vapes you can bring in your luggage.
Where Can You Vape in the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is very accepting of vaping, so you can freely vape in any open-air public spaces unless otherwise signposted. Simply avoid vaping in places where you wouldn’t in the UK, and you’ll be fine. Avoid vaping in buildings, on public transport, and anywhere smoking is also prohibited. Everywhere else is fair game, so you can happily explore the streets of Prague with your vape in hand.
Vaping is not permitted in the following locations in Czechia:
- Official government buildings
- Enclosed public places such as hospitals, restaurants, schools, and other educational buildings
- Children’s parks or play areas, even if not signposted (you should be far enough away from these if you want to use your e-cigarette)
- Any form of public transport, including buses, trams, trains, and taxis
Vaping is allowed in the following locations in Czechia:
- Open public spaces or streets, unless signposted otherwise
- Private property
- Hotel rooms that also allow smoking
- Designated smoking areas
Can You Vape in Czech Airports
While smaller Czech airports may have slightly different policies, Prague’s Václav Havel Airport has been a no-smoking and no-vaping airport since 2018. Previously, there were smoking booths located within the terminal buildings, but now there are 14 outdoor smoking/vaping areas that you must use while visiting. These areas are all located directly outside the front doors of each major building and are clearly signposted.
As the main airport of arrival for most visitors to the Czech Republic, Václav Havel Airport is relatively small, so you shouldn’t have to travel far to find a smoking area should you need to vape during your visit. The smoking/vaping areas are very easy to spot, with yellow signs indicating their location. If you have trouble finding them, airport staff can guide you, and there are handy maps available online.
Where Can You Buy Vapes in the Czech Republic?
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to buying e-liquids, vape kits, and replacement pods and coils in the Czech Republic. The vape retail industry is booming in the country, with Prague’s central zones boasting at least 19 dedicated vape stores. Additionally, many convenience retailers and supermarkets carry vaping products, which is very handy if you get caught short mid-holiday. You can even find our own EDGE e-liquids for sale on shelves in Czechia, albeit with Czech language packaging.
Not only can you find vaping products in stores during your travels, but if you’re staying for an extended period, you can also explore a vast range of online vape stores offering even more products that can be delivered to your accommodation.
To plan ahead, check out Yelp.com’s top ten vape stores in Prague for inspiration. Of course, the easiest option is to bring along the vaping products you know and love to ensure you don’t run out while on holiday. However, should the worst happen, you won’t be short of options to help you keep vaping comfortably during your stay in the Czech Republic.
Conclusion
The Czech Republic is a vaper’s paradise, offering a welcoming and accommodating environment for British vapers looking to explore this beautiful country. With regulations similar to those in the UK, you can enjoy your vaping experience without any hassle. Just remember to follow the same vaping etiquette as you would at home, keep an eye out for no-smoking signs, and ensure your devices and e-liquids comply with the Czech Republic’s regulations.
Whether you’re strolling through the picturesque streets of Prague or enjoying the country’s vibrant nightlife, you can do so with your vape in hand. And if you need to stock up on supplies, you’ll find plenty of vape stores and online retailers to keep you well-equipped throughout your stay.
So, pack your bags, grab your favorite vape, and get ready to explore all that the Czech Republic has to offer. With this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable vaping adventure in one of Europe’s most vape-friendly destinations.
- European Union. (2014). Directive 2014/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States concerning the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco and related products and repealing Directive 2001/37/EC. Official Journal of the European Union, L 127, 1-38. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2014:127:TOC ↩︎
- Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. (2017). Decree No. 37/2017 Coll. on electronic cigarettes, refill containers and herbal products for smoking. https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2017-37 ↩︎
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