September 24, 2014 Jonathan Greenfield

Can you use your e-cigarette abroad?

If you’re planning on travelling abroad for a holiday or for business reasons, you might be wondering if you’re able to use your electronic cigarette when you arrive. It’s best to carry out some research before you travel so that you are aware of the specific regulations of the country you will be visiting.

We have compiled all the information that you need to know, from travelling on planes, to the countries who have imposed their own electronic cigarette legislation.

Check with your airline

If you are unsure as to whether you’re able to travel with your electronic cigarette or not, just ask them. They might restrict travelling with e-liquids or ask for all equipment to be placed in plastic bags.

British Airways, for example, allow for passengers to take their electronic cigarette kit onboard but you’re not allowed to actually use them.

Don’t hide your devices

It will look suspicious if you try to hide your device, and it’s not worth the effort to conceal anything. Be open about what you are carrying, the best thing to do is carry your equipment in a clear plastic bag when you are checking in so that security are aware that you have the device on your person.

Ensure that your kit is safe

You probably do this anyway, but always ensure that your e-liquid bottles are secured properly. Place all your equipment in its designated compartments within your carrying case, a full clearomiser WILL leak due to inflight pressure change and you’ll have a mess on your hands, it’s best to empty your clearomiser before you board.

Which countries can you use your electronic cigarette?

Europe

There are currently no Eurozone wide regulations on electronic cigarettes, but individual countries have enforced their own legislation:

E-cigarettes are banned in the following European countries:

Lithuania
Turkey

E-cigarettes which contain nicotine are banned in:

Denmark
Finland
Hungry
Iceland
Norway
Sweden
Switzerland

They are banned in the following public places in these countries:

Belgium
Croatia
France
Malta
Serbia
Slovakia
Spain
Ukraine

They are legal and can be used in public in the following European countries:

Albania
Austria
Bulgaria
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Germany
Greece
Italy
Ireland
Latvia
Luxemburg
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
UK

The regulations are unclear in the following countries:

Andorra
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Georgia
Macedonia
Moldova
Monaco
Montenegro
San Marino

Asia

E-cigarettes are banned in the following countries:

Brunei
Cambodia
Indonesia
Malaysia
Singapore
Taiwan
Thailand

E-cigarettes which contain nicotine are banned in the following Asian countries;

Hong Kong
Japan

They can be used in public spaces in the following places:

Afghanistan
China
India
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Philippines
South Korea
Vietnam

The regulations are unclear in the following countries:

Bangladesh
Laos
Mongolia
Sri Lanka
Australasia

Permits are needed in the following states:

Northern Territories
Tasmania
There are no restrictions in the following states:
New South Wales
Queensland
South Australia
Victoria
Western Australia

Electronic cigarettes are illegal in New Zealand but can be imported for personal use only.

North America

Electronic cigarettes are legal in many US states, but there are many different laws on where you can buy and use them. Check before you travel and if you’re heading to Canada, there are no restrictions whatsoever.

South America

E-cigarettes are banned in the following countries:

Argentina
Brazil
Mexico
Panama

They can be used in public in the following countries:

Costa Rica
Colombia
Ecuador
El Salvador
Guatemala

Regulations are unclear in the following countries:

Caribbean
Bolivia
Chile
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela

Africa

The only African country to ban e-cigarettes at this moment in time is Egypt, while only Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa have confirmed that their usage is legal.

Middle East

There is no clear legislation in many Middle Eastern countries, although it is illegal to use them in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Oman.

Please bear in mind that most of these laws relate to selling e-cigs, but you should still be wary of using them in places where you are unsure.