You’d be forgiven for missing it, but summer has arrived at last, which means it’s holiday time for many vapers. This year, we thought it might be useful to look at some of the more popular holiday destinations and what that means for vapers.
BAN ON CARRYING E-CIGS IN CHECKED LUGGAGE
One relatively recent development is a worldwide ban on carrying e-cigs in checked luggage. The ICAO has amended the 2015-2016 edition of its Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO Doc 9284). The amendments are already in effect and mean that e-cigs are no longer allowed to be transported in the aircraft hold. This is something all vapers should be aware of when packing for their holiday – take only what you need and store any hardware (batteries, tanks etc.) in your carry-on bag.
Airline E-Cigarette Policies
Before you travel, it’s a good idea to speak to the airline you are flying with to check their rules regarding e-cigs. Most airlines now have an established policy regarding whether they are allowed on board (most, if not all, allow them in your carry-on bag); if in doubt check their website.
Most airports have also have a vaping policy in place. Some are more lenient than others, but if you’re expecting a layover, it’s best to plan ahead.
Airports that allow vaping
A number of airports do allow vaping within the terminal, though most, if not all, UK airports have strict rules against it.
In many international airports, such as Charles de Gaulle or Munich, vaping is allowed only in specific areas, but often these will be shared spaces where smoking is also allowed.
There have been restrictions on the transport of liquids on flights for several years now, and e-liquids are not exempted. If you’re taking e-liquid with you, ensure that you adhere to the rules for cabin bags and carry any spare bottles in your checked luggage.
In which countries is vaping legal/illegal
Before you get to your destination, you should read up on the legal status of e-cigs. While in most countries e-cigs are allowed, though may face the same restrictions as tobacco cigarettes, in a handful of places vaping is banned outright. It’s often difficult to pin down the exact legal situation, so again it’s very much advised that you do your research when booking your holiday.
Countries where vaping is known to be banned or illegal include:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- Hong Kong
- United Arab Emirates
- Singapore
- Japan
Vaping in France
Legal Status: Legal
As the country at the top of the World Tourism rankings, France is a very popular holiday destination for many people in the UK and around the world. France has historically had a very relaxed attitude to smoking, though a ban in public spaces does exist now. In 2014, the law was amended to also cover e-cigs. This means that vaping is not allowed in any enclosed public space, such as bars, restaurants and public transport.
Vaping in Spain
Legal Status: Legal
For British sun-worshippers, Spain is often the first destination which comes to mind. Spain has adopted fairly strict legislation banning smoking in public places, which has since been extended to cover e-cigs. Vaping is therefore legal, but banned wherever smoking is also not allowed, which covers enclosed public spaces, as well as directly outside some public spaces such as hospitals.
Vaping in Turkey
Legal Status: Unclear
In Turkey, e-cigs are apparently legal, though the ban on smoking indoors has been extended to cover vaping as well. There are confusing reports of misleading government advice concerning their use, however, with senior officials stating that they are dangerous. This may mean that you receive some strange looks from locals.
Vaping in USA
Legal Status: Legal
The US legal system is incredibly complicated, with various things being handled at district, state or national level. E-cigs are legal to use throughout the USA, however certain states have brought in vaping related taxes, or local bans on vaping indoors or in public spaces. It’s advisable to check on any applicable laws in the state or district you are planning on visiting.
Vaping in Australia
Legal Status: Complicated
If the law is complicated in the USA, it’s arguably even more so in Australia. The Australian Federal Department of Health and Ageing classifies nicotine as a Schedule 7 poison, and each state or territory is able to set its own law covering its possession. What this means is that in some states, e-liquid containing nicotine are legal to have and to use, in others they are banned.
At present, it’s illegal to use an e-cig containing nicotine in Queensland, though nicotine-free e-liquid is ok. In all other states it is legal to use e-liquids containing nicotine, though there are local bans on the sale of e-cigs and nicotine to greater or lesser degrees. It’s advisable that you check their legal status in the area you plan to visit before travelling.
Vaping has become a much more common all over the world in the past couple of years, which means that customs officers and locals are more used to e-cigs. That said, if you’d rather keep things discrete, why not pick up some Clear Steam e-liquid? It’s ideal for stealth vaping and when you want to keep vapour production to a minimum.