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Do tourist destinations allow vaping

By Oliver Smith 31st March 2023 5 Mins

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As many people are starting to book their next destination, we look at a few of the most popular global holiday hotspots to see if vapers can have a smoke-free holiday.

There’s enough to think about when you’re organising a holiday without having to worry with whether you’re legally able to vape or not. 

And with the summer holidays fast approaching us, we know many of you will be eager to get jet set as soon as possible. So, if you are wanting to enjoy your e-cigarette on the trip away then it’s a very important consideration in deciding where to travel. 

While the concept of enjoying a reduced risk alternative to cigarettes on holiday sounds brilliant in theory you should be warned that the reality is there’s a long list of places where bringing out a vaping device is far from welcome. 

Even if the destination you go to permits vaping, when you ‘buy local’, the nicotine strengths and flavours you are used to may not be as easy to come by when you are away from home. 

That is why Vapouround has put this list together, below we check out the rules and customs for some of the most popular travel destinations in the world. 

United Kingdom

There are no laws limiting where you can vape (though individual companies and businesses may have their own rules). E-cigarettes are available for purchase but those sold and used must meet legal standards.

Recommended: UK Government Announces ‘Tobacco and Vapes Bill’ With Major Implications for Vaping Industry and Public Health

Brazil

The use of vape devices in this South American tourism hotspot is legal, however, their sale, advertisement, distribution and importation is not. There are also bans against vaping in public transport and in public spaces

France

This romantic tourist spot falls in line with the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive when it comes to vapes. This means they are legal but must meet the correct specifications. The use of e-cigarettes is prohibited on public transport, as well as in open plan offices, schools and other educational institutes.

Australia

Vaping regulations in Australia could be described as volatile and have caused quite a stir in recent years. Nicotinecontaining vape products are completely prohibited, unless prescribed by a registered doctor. The penalties for possessing illegal vape goods can be quite severe, even leading to jail time and hefty fines. There are also varying laws on where you can and can’t use prescribed and zero-nic e-cigarettes.

New York – United Stats Of America

NYC laws include all e-cigarettes, regardless of whether or not they contain nicotine and they prohibit:

  • The use of e-cigarettes in all places where smoking is prohibited, including residential common areas, restaurants, sports arenas and workplaces. 
  • The sale of e-cigarettes to anyone younger than 21. 
  • The sale of e-cigarettes without a valid e-cigarette retail dealer license and 
  • The sale of flavoured e-cigarette products.

Kingston – Jamacia

In Jamacia, the law allows both residents and tourists the retail sale of e-cigarettes and vaping products, as long as the consumer is over the age of 18. 

So as long as you are outside, you can hit your vaping device to your heart’s content, especially if you catch your craving kicking in on the beach when catching some rays.

Amsterdam – The Netherlands

Whilst the destination is famed for having a very relaxed view towards cannabis consumption, the same cannot be said for their outlook on vaping. 

Legally you can vape anywhere in the Netherlands as long as you are outdoors, even though at one stage the use and importing of e-cigarettes was close to being banned.

 So, in some places, especially Amsterdam you can enjoy vaping freely due to the cities relaxed attitude and atmosphere, just don’t try breaking it out in any restaurants or coffee shops.

India

India banned the production, import and sale of vape products in 2019. Those caught manufacturing, importing or selling could face a three-year prison sentence.

The announcement of the ban came after India’s government became alarmed at the rise in vaping among young people.

India has more than 100 million adult smokers, making it a huge potential market for e-cigarette companies.

Toyko – Japan

Japan is one of the few Asian countries that has not taken an overly restrictive avenue when it comes to vaping.

 Although when purchasing e-liquid in Japan only zero milligram bottles are available, holidaymakers will have no problem bringing in a small supply of nicotine, as personal import is permitted.

Surprisingly, there are no restrictions on vaping indoors as long as the individuals doing so are vaping a zero-nicotine e-juice

Bangkok – Thailand

Although nearly 23 million tourists flock to the Thai capital each year, vaping is completely banned in Thailand and has been since 2014. 

Many keen travellers who also vape must adapt or go cold turkey for the duration of their break as e-cigarettes are prohibited as are other products like mods and e-juice refills.

If you are caught vaping or even just have advice in your possession you could face a penalty of up to ten years in prison or a 30,000 Baht fine.

Discover more News from Vapouround

Enjoyed this article? Why not take a look at our other vape articles by visiting the ‘News‘ section of the Vapouround website.

Topics: Recommended, Vaping Guides
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Oliver Smith