Vaping Laws Around the World
5 min read
E-cigarettes are banned or heavily restricted in over 30 countries. Penalties range from fines to years in prison.
Vaping: Legal at Home, Prison Abroad
The vaping industry has grown rapidly in the US and Europe, but many popular travel destinations have banned e-cigarettes entirely. The penalties are not symbolic — Thailand imposes up to 10 years imprisonment for possession of vaping devices, and the law is actively enforced at airports and tourist areas.
Countries Where Vaping Is Illegal
Thailand has the strictest enforcement. Tourists have been arrested, fined, and had devices confiscated at airports. The law applies to all e-cigarettes, vape pens, and related accessories. Penalties include fines of up to 3 million baht (approximately $85,000 USD) or imprisonment.
Singapore bans the import, sale, and possession of e-cigarettes. Penalties include fines up to SGD $10,000 for first-time offenders.
India banned e-cigarettes in 2019 under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act. Import, manufacture, sale, and possession are all illegal.
Brazil has prohibited the sale and import of e-cigarettes since 2009, though enforcement varies.
Argentina bans the import, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes.
Countries with Heavy Restrictions
Australia requires a prescription to purchase nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. The UAE allows vaping but has specific regulations around where and what devices can be used.
What Happens If You're Caught
Consequences range from device confiscation and on-the-spot fines to criminal charges. In Thailand, tourists have reported being extorted by police after being caught with vaping devices. The safest approach is to leave all vaping equipment at home when traveling to countries with bans.