If you are planning on getting away this summer, it’s definitely worth checking up on local laws and regulations.
With around 50 million vapers globally and an industry worth tens of billions, it might surprise you to know that vaping laws vary drastically depending on what part of the world you find yourself in.
In fact, there are many countries where vaping is completely illegal, and you could potentially face fines, even prison time, for using your electronic cigarette.
So, if you are planning on getting away this summer, it’s definitely worth checking up on local laws and regulations. To get you started, here’s a quick guide to vaping laws around the world.
Europe
If you’re sticking in Europe, you won’t have too much to worry about.
European Union (EU) vaping laws are covered by the Tobacco Products Directive, meaning any nation in the EU will operate with similar restrictions to the UK.
There are a couple of places to look out for, though. As it stands, Norway currently operates a full ban on all products containing nicotine, although there is some suggestion they may lift the ban on e-cigarettes this year.
Turkey also has a ban on e-cigarettes, with some reports of vaping equipment being confiscated at Turkish customs.
South America
If you’re thinking of a South American adventure, be aware that vaping has been banned in many notable countries for a number of years.
Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay and Venezuela all prohibit the manufacture and sale of e-cigarettes. With that said, there are reports of vaping being tolerated in several of these countries, just be aware you run the risk of confiscation or a fine if you try your luck.
Far East
For anyone looking to travel the well-trodden path of Far East Asia, know that the region harbours some of the most punitive vaping laws in the world, and that includes many of the main tourist hotspots.
Despite murmurs of change, Thailand operates one of the harshest policies, with a penalty of up to ten years in prison for anyone using an e-cigarette. Singapore, meanwhile, can hand out fines of up to $5000.
Vaping is also banned in Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan, where users risk differing tiers of fines and prison time from country to country.
Asia
The Far East aside, more central and western parts of Asia also operate strict laws, with vaping banned in India, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Again, despite some more lenient reports, local laws are to be ignored at your peril.
Take India, for example, where vaping is illegal in six states. Back in 2016, a man was sentenced to three years in prison for the sale and use of vapes in Punjab. He was supposedly in possession of one e-cigarette and eight cartridges.
The Rest of the West
In western countries around the world, you should be largely OK, but there are a few things to note.
In the United States, vaping laws differ from state to state. However, throughout the state of New York, vaping is banned indoors.
A similar territory to territory difference exists across Australia, where it’s legal to buy e-cigarettes in some provinces but the purchase, possession and use of liquid nicotine is currently universally illegal.
New Zealand, meanwhile, is much more vape friendly, with the legal outlook similar to that of the UK. Campaigners are pushing for Australia to adopt similar policies soon.
With all the above in mind, it’s imperative that you research your destination’s vaping laws in advance of your visit. Even within similar cultures and regions, vaping rules and regulations can differ significantly, so plan ahead and don’t get caught out.
