Vaping abroad is legal in many countries, but in some it is banned outright, and the penalties can include fines and detention. UK government travel advice currently says vapes are illegal to bring in, buy, possess or use in Thailand, Singapore, India, Vietnam, Qatar, Brazil and Mexico, in different combinations. Before any trip, read the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice for the country you are visiting.
Countries where UK travel advice says vapes are banned
Every row below comes from the FCDO travel advice page for that country, checked on 2 November 2026. We only list countries where the advice says something specific about vapes.
| Country | What the FCDO advice says | Penalties mentioned | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Illegal to possess or use any vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid or heated tobacco device. No exceptions for tourists or personal use. | Confiscation, fines typically 5,000 to 30,000 baht, detention, court proceedings; you may have to stay until the case ends | FCDO Thailand |
| Singapore | Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned. Illegal to bring them in, including for personal use. | Confiscation and a possible fine | FCDO Singapore |
| India | Vapes and related products are banned. You cannot buy them or bring them into the country. | None stated on the page | FCDO India |
| Vietnam | Vapes and related products are banned. You cannot buy them or bring them into the country. | None stated on the page | FCDO Vietnam |
| Brazil | All e-cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal, including refills, parts and accessories. | Customs can confiscate vapes from checked and carry-on bags | FCDO Brazil |
| Qatar | Illegal to vape or use an e-cigarette. | Arrest, fine, prison sentence or deportation | FCDO Qatar |
| Mexico | Illegal to bring e-cigarettes, vaping devices and e-liquids into the country, or to buy and sell them. | Confiscation at customs, possible fine or detention; vaping in public can bring a fine of up to 3,000 pesos | FCDO Mexico |
Rules change, sometimes with little notice. This table was checked on 2 November 2026. Always read the current FCDO advice for your destination before you travel.
Why is vaping illegal in Thailand?
The FCDO advice does not give the Thai government's reasons, and we will not guess at them. What it does make clear is how seriously the ban is enforced: possession alone is an offence, there is no allowance for tourists, and a case can keep you in the country until it is settled. Treat Thailand as a place where you leave your vape at home.
Banned to bring in is not the same as banned to use
The countries above do not all ban the same thing. Singapore, India and Mexico focus on bringing vapes in, buying and selling them. Qatar's advice is about using them. Thailand covers possession and use. The safe reading for a traveller is the same in every case: do not pack a vape for these destinations.
A warning for the UAE: what is in the refill
The UAE is not on the ban list, but the FCDO advice has a specific warning about e-cigarette refills. Some contain ingredients that are illegal there, such as CBD oil, and anyone found with them can have them confiscated and face criminal charges. A standard nic salt contains PG, VG, nicotine and flavouring, but if you carry any other liquid, check the label before you fly.
Travelling abroad with vapes: a checklist
- Read the FCDO advice for every country on the trip, including any stopover where you pass through customs.
- If the destination bans vapes, leave the device, pods and e-liquids at home. Do not rely on hiding them in luggage: several of the pages above say customs search for them.
- If vaping is allowed, pack the kit and spare batteries in hand luggage, as our plane guide explains.
- Take enough e-liquid for the trip in sealed 10ml bottles, and keep them in their boxes so the contents are clear.
- Check local rules on vaping in public, in hotels and on public transport once you arrive.
Buying vapes at your destination
In countries where vaping is legal, local shops will sell their own products, and they do not have to meet UK rules. Strengths can be higher than the UK limit of 20mg/ml and bottles larger than 10ml. That is a question of local law while you are there. Do not assume a product bought abroad is the same as the version sold here.
Where vaping is legal
In many countries vaping is legal, but the vaping laws still differ from the UK's. Even where vapes are allowed, local rules can limit where you vape, what you can bring in for personal use and which products are on sale, and Mexico's advice above shows that a public vaping fine can apply on its own. The FCDO page for each country and its embassy are the places to check.
Countries not on this list
A country missing from the table is not a promise that vaping is fine there. Some FCDO pages say nothing specific about vapes, and a country can allow vapes while still limiting where you use them or what you bring in. Before travelling, check three things:
- The FCDO travel advice for your destination, especially the safety and security and entry requirements sections.
- Whether nicotine e-liquid needs a prescription or is limited at customs.
- Local rules on vaping in public places, hotels and transport.
Where the advice is silent, contact the destination country's embassy in the UK. The FCDO pages link to them.
Getting there: the flight itself
The flight has its own rules: vapes and spare batteries go in hand luggage only, and you cannot vape or charge on board. They are covered in full in our guide to taking a vape on a plane, and battery care is in the vape battery safety guide.
Coming home
Back in the UK, the usual UK rules apply: nicotine e-liquid is limited to 10ml bottles at no more than 20mg/ml, and single-use vapes are banned from sale. Our UK vape rules guide has the detail. If you are stocking up before a trip to a country where vaping is legal, the 10ml lifespan guide helps you work out how much to take.
Questions readers ask
In which countries is vaping illegal?
UK travel advice, checked 2 November 2026, says vapes are banned in Thailand, Singapore, India, Vietnam, Qatar, Brazil and Mexico, though what is banned differs. Check the FCDO travel advice for your destination before you go.
Is vaping illegal in Thailand?
Yes. The FCDO says it is illegal to possess or use any vape, e-cigarette, pod or e-liquid, with no exceptions for tourists. Fines are typically 5,000 to 30,000 baht, and detention is possible.
Can I take my vape to another country?
Often, yes, but not everywhere. Check the destination's FCDO advice first. For the flight, vapes go in hand luggage only, as set out in our plane guide.
Can I take a vape to Spain?
The FCDO advice for Spain, checked 2 November 2026, does not mention any vape ban. Local rules on where you can vape may still apply, so check before you travel.
Are vapes banned in Vietnam and Brazil?
Yes, according to FCDO advice checked 2 November 2026. Vietnam bans buying vapes and bringing them in; Brazil bans all e-cigarettes, refills and parts, and customs can confiscate them.
What happens if I'm caught with a vape in Singapore?
The FCDO says vapes will be confiscated and you could be fined. It is illegal to bring them in, even for personal use.