Where Is Vaping Banned? Countries with Strict Vape Laws in 2026

Where Is Vaping Banned? Countries with Strict Vape Laws in 2026Vape laws are different from one country to another. Some countries allow vaping but have strict rules, while others have banned certain vape products or vape pods or vaping altogether. This is especially important if you are travelling. Flying with vapes may be allowed by your airline, but that does not mean your destination country allows you to bring or use a vape.

A vape that is legal in the UK may be restricted or banned somewhere else. Before you travel, always check the latest rules for your destination. Here is a simple guide to countries with strict vape laws in 2026 and what UK travellers should know.

What Does a Vape Ban Actually Mean?

When a country says vaping is banned, it does not always mean exactly the same thing. The rules can also vary depending on the Types of vapes and products involve. Different Types of vapes can also be covered by different rules. In some countries, you may not be allowed to sell, import, possess or use a vape. In others, only certain parts of vaping are banned. Here is the difference:

Type of restriction What it means
Full ban Vapes may not be sold, imported, possessed or used.
Import ban You may not be allowed to bring vape products into the country.
Sales ban Vapes cannot legally be sold, even if some forms of possession or use are allowed.
Use restrictions You may be allowed to own a vape but cannot use it in certain places.
Prescription only You may need a prescription to legally get some nicotine vaping products.

So, before travelling, do not just ask Is vaping banned? Check what the law actually bans.

List of countries where vaping is illegal

Some countries have very strict laws covering e-cigarettes and other vaping products.

Singapore

Vaping is illegal in Singapore. The country has strict laws covering vaporisers and related products. If you are visiting Singapore, do not assume that you can bring your vape with you just because you can legally use it in the UK.

India

India banned electronic cigarettes under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019. The law covers the production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and advertising of e-cigarettes. If you are travelling to India, check the rules carefully before taking any vape or e-liquid with you.

Thailand

Thailand has very strict rules around e-cigarettes and vapes. Importing and using vaping products can lead to legal problems. If Thailand is on your travel list, check the latest rules before you pack your vape.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong also has strict rules on alternative smoking products, including e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Importing and selling these products is prohibited. Since 30 April 2026, possessing specified alternative smoking products in a public place is also an offence. A fixed penalty of HK$3,000 can apply to certain small-quantity public possession cases. For visitors, it is important to check the rules before travelling rather than assuming UK vape rules apply.

Other Countries with Strict Vape Laws

Not every country has a complete ban. Some allow vaping in certain situations but have strict rules on nicotine products, imports or where you can vape. Here are a few examples:

Country What to know
Australia Vaping products are tightly controlled, with nicotine vaping products mainly supplied through the therapeutic goods system.
Japan Nicotine e-liquid cannot generally be sold in Japan, although there are rules for bringing limited amounts for personal use.
Turkey The sale and import of many e-cigarette products are restricted.
UAE Vaping is allowed in certain circumstances, but there are restrictions on products and where you can vape.
South Korea Vapes are legal but are subject to product, tax and age rules.
New Zealand Vaping is legal, but there are rules covering products, retailers, advertising and age limits.

The rules can change, so always check the latest government guidance before travelling.

Countries Where Vaping Is Legal

Vaping is allowed under certain rules in many countries. However, legal does not mean you can vape anywhere or bring any type of vape into the country.  For example, countries such as the UK, Canada and New Zealand allow vaping but have their own rules covering things like age, products, advertising and where vaping is allowed.

Country General position
UK Vaping is legal for adults, subject to UK product and age rules.
Canada Vaping is legal but regulated at federal and provincial levels.
New Zealand Vaping is legal with strict rules around products, retailers and advertising.
South Korea Vaping is legal but regulated.
Japan Nicotine vaping products have much stricter rules than non-nicotine products.

If you are travelling, always check the exact rules rather than relying on a general legal or illegal label.

Where Are Disposable Vapes Banned?

A country can allow vaping while still banning single-use or disposable vapes. This is becoming more common in different parts of the world.

For example:

  • UK: Selling and supplying single-use vapes has been illegal since 1 June 2025. The ban applies to both nicotine and nicotine-free single-use vapes. Reusable vapes can still be sold if they meet UK requirements.
  • Belgium: Disposable e-cigarettes have been banned since 1 January 2025.
  • France: Disposable vape restrictions also apply.
  • New Zealand: Disposable vape restrictions have also been introduced.

So, if you are travelling with a disposable vape, do not assume that it is allowed just because vaping itself is legal in that country.

Flying with Vapes: What Should You Know?

If you are travelling with a vape, there are two different things to check:

  1. Your airline and airport rules
  2. The vaping laws in your destination

Can You Take a Vape to a Country Where Vaping Is Banned?

It is not safe to assume that you can. Even if your airline allows you to carry your vape in your hand luggage, the country you are visiting may ban the import, possession or use of vaping products. Even if your airline allows you to carry your vape in your hand luggage, the country you are visiting may ban the import, possession or use of vaping products. Before packing your vape, check:

  • Can you legally bring a vape into the country?
  • Can you legally possess one?
  • Can you use one there?
  • Are there limits on e-liquid?
  • Does your airline have any extra rules?

If the destination bans the import or possession of vapes, leave your vape at home.

What About Vape Juice?

Vape juice is treated as a liquid when going through airport security. At airports where the 100ml liquid rule applies, each liquid container must normally be no larger than 100ml. However, airport rules can differ, so check the latest guidance for the airport you are flying from. A simple travel checklist is:

  • Keep your vape in your hand luggage.
  • Do not put your vape device in checked baggage.
  • Check your airline's rules before flying.
  • Check the liquid rules at your departure airport.
  • Check the vaping laws in your destination country.
  • If vaping products are banned at your destination, do not take them with you.

UK Vape Laws in 2026

Vaping is legal in the UK, but there are strict rules about which products can be sold.

Under the UK's current e-cigarette rules:

  • Vape tanks must hold no more than 2ml.
  • Nicotine e-liquid refill bottles can contain no more than 10ml.
  • Nicotine strength must not be higher than 20mg/ml.
  • Nicotine products and their packaging must meet safety requirements.
  • Products must be notified to the MHRA before they can be sold.

UK vape laws continue to change, so it is important to check the latest requirements before buying or selling vaping products 

More UK Vape Rules Coming in 2026 and 2027

UK vape laws are still changing, so it is worth keeping an eye on the latest government guidance. From 1 October 2026, the new Vaping Products Duty will charge £2.20 per 10ml of vaping liquid. From 29 October 2026, the age of sale for all vaping and nicotine products will be 18 and over across the UK. The new rules will also restrict certain free promotional products and substantial promotional discounts.

The UK is also bringing in wider restrictions on vaping and nicotine product advertising and sponsorship from 1 June 2027. So, if you buy or sell vape products in the UK, make sure you are following the latest rules.

What About Online Vape Shops in the UK?

If you use an online vape shop in the uk, make sure the retailer follows the relevant rules. A legal online vape shop in the UK should make sure its products meet UK requirements. This includes rules around nicotine strength, e-liquid bottle size, tank size, packaging and product notification. If you're looking to buy Voopoo vape kits, always choose products that meet current UK requirements and buy from a retailer that follows the relevant rules. 

Retailers must also follow age restrictions when selling vaping products.

When buying online, look for a retailer that:

  • Sells products that meet UK rules.
  • Clearly shows product information.
  • Uses age checks where required.
  • Does not sell banned single-use vapes.
  • Clearly shows nicotine strength and e-liquid size.

Voopoo Argus G3 Pod Kit

Voopoo Argus G3 Pod Kit

£21.99 GBP
£21.99 GBP

Brand:Voopoo

Buy Now

Countries where vaping is illegal 2026

If you're looking for where are vapes banned, the table below gives a quick overview of how different countries treat vaping and what travellers should know.

Country Vape status What travellers should know
Singapore Very strict Do not assume you can bring or use a vape.
India Banned E-cigarettes are prohibited under national law.
Thailand Very strict Check the latest rules before travelling with a vape.
Hong Kong Very strict Import and sale are prohibited, with public possession rules from 30 April 2026.
Australia Strictly regulated Nicotine vaping products are subject to special rules.
Japan Restricted Nicotine vape products have specific rules.
UK Legal with restrictions Reusable products can be sold if they meet UK requirements.
Canada Legal with restrictions Federal and provincial rules apply.
New Zealand Legal with restrictions Product, retailer and advertising rules apply.

This is only a quick guide. Laws can change, so always check official information before travelling.

What Should You Check Before Travelling with a Vape?

Vape laws can be very different around the world. A product that is legal to buy in the UK may be restricted or banned somewhere else. Before your trip, check:

Destination rules → Airline rules → Airport liquid rules → Local vaping restrictions

It only takes a few minutes, but it can help you avoid problems at the airport or after you arrive. If you are unsure, check the latest government travel advice for your destination before packing your vape.

FAQs

Which countries have banned vaping?

Countries such as Singapore and India have very strict laws against electronic cigarettes. Other countries also have strong restrictions, so always check the local rules before travelling with a vape.

Can I take my vape on a plane?

In the UK, e-cigarettes must be carried in hand luggage rather than checked baggage. You should also check your airline's rules before flying.

Can I take vape juice on a plane?

You can usually take vape juice in your hand luggage if it follows the liquid rules at your departure airport. Check the latest airport guidance before travelling.

Can I take a vape to a country where vaping is banned?

You should not assume that you can. A country may ban the import or possession of vapes even if your airline allows you to carry the device in your hand luggage.

Are disposable vapes illegal in the UK?

It is illegal to sell or supply single-use vapes in the UK. The ban came into force on 1 June 2025. Reusable vapes can still be sold if they meet the relevant UK requirements.

What is the legal nicotine strength for vapes in the UK?

For consumer nicotine e-liquids covered by the current rules, the maximum nicotine strength is 20mg/ml.

Can I vape anywhere in the UK?

No. Vaping is not allowed everywhere. Individual places such as workplaces, public transport and other venues may have their own rules. Always follow the rules of the place you are visiting.

Shop Compliant Vapes for UK Vapers

If you are looking for a vape that meets current UK requirements, explore our range of compliant reusable vape products. Some countries allow vaping with certain restrictions, while others have banned or heavily restricted vape products. If you are travelling, do not only check whether you can fly with vapes. You also need to check whether your destination allows you to bring, own or use them. For UK vapers, reusable devices and compliant e-liquids remain legal when they meet the current rules. However, UK vape laws are changing, so checking the latest guidance before travelling or buying vape products is always a good idea.

Back to blog