Experts reveal if you can take your vape on holiday as e-cigarette rules explained

Are you wondering if you can take your vape on a plane?

An expert explains the rules for taking e-cigarettes abroad. With millions of Brits set to jet off over the coming months, many vapers are unsure about the regulations surrounding their devices.

While it's perfectly legal to buy and use vapes in the UK, the rules become stricter when travelling abroad, reports Bristol Live.

To help clear up any confusion, vaping experts at Go Smoke Free have answered some frequently asked questions about taking e-cigarettes overseas, aiming to ensure a hassle-free journey this year.

So, can you take your vape on a plane?

Yes, you can. Both refillable and disposable e-cigarettes can be taken on flights departing from UK airports, but they must be carried in your hand luggage or on your person.

They cannot be packed in your hold luggage. This is because, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), e-cigarettes fall under the category of electronic items.

They contain lithium batteries, which pose a potential fire risk onboard a flight, hence why they can't be stored in the hold.

If you're planning to pack a vape pen or box kit, it's recommended that the tank is emptied and detached from the main device, if possible, and stored in a separate clear plastic bag. This is due to changes in air pressure during the flight, which can sometimes cause the tank to leak, preventing e-liquid from damaging your belongings.

Any additional batteries for your e-cigarette must be packed in your hand luggage and individually wrapped to prevent short-circuiting. If you're travelling with disposable vapes, they should also be placed in a clear plastic bag within your carry-on.

Can I take e-liquid on a plane?

Yes, you can pack e-liquid in your hand luggage, but it must adhere to the same regulations as other liquids. This means that any e-liquid refill bottles must be placed in a 20cm x 20cm clear resealable plastic bag, and the container must not exceed 100ml.

This shouldn't be a problem, as nicotine-containing e-liquid is only sold in 10ml bottles in the UK, and shortfill e-liquid bottles are typically 100ml.

If you plan to bring a bottle containing more than 100ml of e-liquid on a flight, this will need to be packed into your checked luggage. It's recommended to place these containers in a sealed plastic bag to prevent leakage during the flight.

Can I vape at the airport?

Vaping is not permitted inside any UK airport terminals, although many provide designated outdoor smoking areas where e-cigarettes can be used. It's advisable to check your airport's website before travelling to familiarise yourself with their vaping rules and the location of smoking areas.

Most airports prohibit smoking or vaping in any area once you have passed through security, so you may face a lengthy wait before your next vape.

Can I vape on a plane?

Similar to smoking, vaping is strictly forbidden at any point during a flight. It's recommended to keep vapes in your hand luggage for the duration of the flight, to resist the temptation to use it while on board.

It's worth noting that even if you don't intend to use it, recharging your vape or its batteries during the flight is also prohibited, as per the CAA.

If you anticipate difficulty going the full flight without vaping, consider using nicotine patches, gum or pouches prior to and following your departure. These can be kept in your hand luggage and should help to manage cravings should they occur.

Try to also avoid drinking alcohol at the airport or during the flight, as this can heighten nicotine cravings.

It's always a good idea to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare and have everything organised in advance. This can help reduce stress levels and the need to vape to calm your nerves.

Make sure you have plenty of distractions for the flight, such as books, films, handheld games, and a selection of snacks and drinks.

Are e-cigarettes allowed abroad?

Before jetting off, it's crucial to check the vaping laws in your destination country. The rules around e-cigarettes vary globally, and some countries impose severe penalties for those who flout the regulations.

The European Commission has established regulatory standards for e-cigarettes, so most European countries have similar rules to the UK. However, some nations, like France, have stricter regulations on disposable vapes or specific rules, such as banning vaping on public transport.

Several countries, including Argentina, Mexico, and Turkey, have outright banned the sale of e-cigarettes or vaping equipment.

Countries where the sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited

• Argentina

• Jordan

• Sri Lanka

• Brazil

• Laos

• Suriname

• Cabo Verde

• Malaysia

• Syria

• Cambodia

• Mauritius

• Thailand

• North Korea

• Mexico

• Turkey

• Ethiopia

• Nicaragua

• Turkmenistan

• Gambia

• Norway

• Uganda

• India

• Panama

• Uruguay

• Iran

• Qatar

• Varuatu

• Iraq

• Singapore

• Venezuela

You can use the Tobacco Control Laws tool to check the policies in different countries for smoking and vaping, such as having banned the sale of vaping products. However, you should also look at the import and consumption restrictions in place to see if you can bring your vaping devices there.

Thailand, for example, has some of the strictest e-cigarette rules in the world and has harshly punished anyone found using them. Singapore also has completely banned purchasing, possessing and using vape devices, while Australia requires a doctor's prescription to use e-cigarettes and issues heavy fines for smoking without one.

The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction has its own online tool for looking up this information before travelling abroad and is regularly updated. Here you can find out which countries have banned vaping, to avoid getting in trouble if you are travelling there.

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