This summer, it’s certain that some of the three million vapers in the UK will be thinking about jetting off for a bit of sun.
Vaping is becoming largely accepted as a way to give up smoking, but enjoying an e cigarette abroad can be confusing, as many countries are vague about the regulations concerning their use.
Navigating the law can be confusing for vapers who want to take their e cigarettes abroad, so we've got the following advice:
Before you go
Booking flights, finding a hotel and organising travel insurance may be the first things you think about before you start planning your holiday abroad, but vapers need to check the legal status of e cigarettes where they are headed. Regulations vary from country to country, so it’s important to know the law. In some places, such as; Mexico, Thailand, Turkey, Egypt, Hong Kong, and Austria vaping is banned, so you could end up having your e cigarette confiscated or paying a hefty fine if caught vaping there, in extreme cases you could be sent to jail.
Other places like Australia, New Zealand and the Scandinavian countries have restricted use only, particularly if you use a liquid containing nicotine.
It is critical to research where you going, to make sure you don’t fall foul of the law.
Flying
As the popularity of e cigarettes has taken off, many vapers have been left uncertain of the rules about using their e cigarettes on board planes, particularly if they don’t create clouds of vapour. The UK’s most popular airlines; Ryanair, Easy Jet, British Airways and Thomas Cook do not allow vaping on their planes, even in the toilets!
E cigarettes should be stored in your carry-on baggage; they are strictly prohibited in checked (hold) baggage. This applies for both domestic and international flights.
Check the vaping rules at the airports, not only where you will depart, but also more importantly where you land. Most airports will state the vaping policies on their websites. Currently, using e cigarettes is banned inside all UK airports. So you will need to consider how you deal with these restrictions.
Security
When making your way through airport security, unpack your kit and scan it separately. Remember to stick to the 100ml liquid rule and pack your e-liquid in the clear plastic bags. Larger bottles can be packed into your hold luggage. Again, research your destination, as e-liquids that contain nicotine are banned in some countries. As long as you stick to the general rules about what is and is not permitted to take through security, you should not encounter any difficulties.
Hardware
Whether you’re heading off for a long-weekend city break or a month long backpacking trip you’ll need to consider what hardware to bring along with you. We recommend a removable battery device with a separate charger, or two batteries if you’re travelling for a longer period of time.
Liquids
Make sure you have enough e-liquid with you to last until your return. Many foreign countries don’t have the same level of content safety testing for products that we have in the UK, so stock up before you go to guarantee quality standards have been adhered to.
Local attitudes
Attitudes towards vaping in the UK are fairly liberal, but be prepared to deal with different opinions when travelling abroad. Cloud chasers may experience some confused glances from the locals. If you prefer to be discrete and want to keep vapour production to a minimum we can recommend our Clear Steam, vapourless e-liquid.
Neil McCallum, CEO of JAC Vapour, says: “Vaping is now regarded as a much safer alternative to smoking. Unfortunately, not all countries are as forward thinking as the UK, so vaping abroad can be confusing and the laws and regulations are often unclear and can vary from place to place. It is important to do some research before you go on holiday, so you are armed with the facts to stop any problems occurring. A little time spent researching before you jet off, will mean a relaxing and enjoyable holiday for all.”