Vaping holidaymakers warned of fines and 10-year jail sentence

Industry experts have cautioned British tourists against buying potentially harmful black market illegal vapes abroad, as criminal gangs move in among tighter regulation. Brits who travel with vapes or e-cigarettes are being warned by vape pod retailer Vape Club to check for any restrictions on the devices in their destination – or they could receive a hefty fine or even a prison sentence.

Those travelling to popular destinations in South East Asia will encounter some of the strongest vaping laws in the world — more than two in five countries in Asia and Oceania have strict bans on the product. The most serious punishments are in the popular destinations of Thailand, Singapore and Australia. Unsuspecting tourists in Thailand could be fined up to 30,000 baht (around £650) or sent to prison for up to 10 years. In Singapore, possessing an e-cigarette could mean a fine of S$2,000 (about £1,200).

Australia recently announced a crackdown on vapes containing nicotine, which now require a doctor’s prescription. To avoid a huge fine of up to A$222,000 (over £125,000), vapers travelling to the country should make certain they don’t take any nicotine e-liquid with them. Some Australian states even impose prison sentences for importing nicotine e-liquid.

Countries which impose strong restrictions have struggled with a growing black market. Australia’s black market in Melbourne and the state of Victoria alone is predicted to be worth up to $500million for organised criminal gangs.

Experts warn tourists to avoid purchasing dangerous illegal black market vapes abroad in regions with strong regulations. These products are unsafe, untested, and could be harmful.

Countries with strict vape laws

Countries where there are complete vaping bans in place include Hong Kong, Mexico and Taiwan. In Qatar, vaping has been illegal since 2014 and anyone who breaks the law could be fined up to 10,000 Riyals (around £2,200), or face a maximum of three months in prison. No matter where tourists are going, it's important to research local rules in advance to avoid an unwelcome penalty.

Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club, said: “As vaping grows in popularity globally, the laws surrounding it are constantly changing. It's crucial for vapers to check the local vaping laws of their destination before booking their trip to avoid potential fines, or even more severe consequences if vaping is banned in that country.

“The illegal vape trade has grown in countries where vaping is under strict regulation and mirrors the issues once prevalent in the cigarette black market, including youth usage, potentially dangerous products, and unregulated retail sales. To avoid using illegal and potentially harmful products, it's advisable for travellers to bring their own vaping devices and supplies to countries that permit them in limited quantities for personal use.

“For those travelling to vaping-friendly destinations by plane, remember to pack your batteries and vaping devices in your carry-on luggage. This ensures they remain in a pressure-controlled environment, as they're not allowed in checked baggage."