Vaping tourism: countries welcoming (and rejecting) vapers

For passionate vapers, travel isn’t just about the destination — it’s also about whether you can bring your vape gear along. In 2025, vaping tourism has become a niche topic of real importance. As laws shift and international regulations tighten, knowing where you can legally vape is becoming just as essential as remembering your passport.

Across the globe, countries are taking wildly different approaches to vaping. Some have embraced it as a harm-reduction strategy, while others treat it the same as smoking — or worse, ban it entirely. If you’re planning a trip abroad and want to avoid fines, confiscations, or awkward run-ins at customs, it pays to do your homework.

Let’s start with the good news. Vapers are generally welcome across much of Europe. In countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Czech Republic, vaping is legal and widely accepted. Vape shops are easy to find, and you’re allowed to travel with personal devices and liquids as long as you follow airline regulations. The same goes for New Zealand and Canada, where vaping is legal but subject to reasonable restrictions like nicotine limits and marketing bans.

Then there are the grey zones — places like Spain, France, and Italy, where vaping is legal but increasingly restricted in public places. You can still vape there, but don’t expect to pull out a device in restaurants or airports without drawing attention. Always check for signage, and when in doubt, treat your vape like a cigarette — discreet and respectful.

And then there are the red zones. Countries such as Thailand, India, Singapore, and Brazil have taken a hardline stance. In these places, possessing or using a vape can lead to heavy fines, confiscation, or even arrest. Thailand, in particular, is known for enforcing its vaping ban with serious penalties, even for tourists. It's not worth the risk — if you're headed to one of these countries, leave the vape at home.

So why the global divide?

For some countries, the issue is public health policy. For others, it’s a mix of politics, pressure from tobacco lobbies, or fear of youth vaping. What’s clear is that the vaping landscape is constantly changing — and what was legal last year might not be today.

If you’re planning your next trip and not sure whether vaping is allowed, we’re always happy to help. At Vape Lounge in Manchester, we’ve had customers come in before flying out, looking for travel-friendly devices or low-nicotine liquids to bring along. You’re welcome to visit us at 147 Great Ancoats Street for advice, or give us a ring on 0161 637 6066. You can also email us at hello@vapelounge.uk — we’ll help you prep for a smooth journey with no vape-related surprises.

Vaping tourism is real, and the world’s attitudes toward vaping are anything but consistent. So pack smart, stay informed, and always check the local laws before you land. Your vape isn’t just part of your routine — it’s part of your packing list too.