10 destinations where vaping can now land you up to 10 years in jail

Vaping and nicotine products other than cigarettes have exploded in popularity in recent years, with as many as one in five young Americans admitting to at least occasionally blowing fruity clouds, rather than smoking.

However, with the health risks and benefits of vaping still being established and amid fears of things like 'popcorn lung', many countries around the world have implemented incredibly restrictive rules around the use of these smoking alternatives.

This means that these devices, which for many becomes as regular a part of their life as smoking cigarettes once did for entire generations, can land you in considerable trouble if you take them on vacation with you to the wrong location.

While travelers are best advised to double-check the specific rules and legal consequences of using an e-cigarette device in their choice of destination, there are 10 countries in particular where you should think twice before packing your vape.

In Japan it is illegal to sell vape e-liquid or blow fruity clouds in public (Shiho Fukada/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Japan

Travellers heading to Japan can expect their vaping habit to become something of an issue while visiting, with the popular island nation banning entirely the sale of vape liquids that contain any form of nicotine.

Holidaymakers can bring up to 120ml with them for personal use, but even then you could still end up on the wrong side of the law. Vaping in public is strictly prohibited outside of designated smoking areas, with a 1000 yen ($6) fine for breaking the rules.

Turkey

When holidaying in Turkey, you'd be best advised to keep your vape in your hotel room as the local laws are also incredibly restrictive around vaping, with the sale and import of all nicotine e-cigarettes and e-liquids outlawed entirely.

Vapers are essentially treated the same as smokers, with their use prohibited in public spaces and on transport, and the devices only being usable in specially designated zones.

However, you can bring up to 10 disposable vapes with you, or one refillable device and 30ml of e-liquid.

Mexico

America's favorite foreign country to visit also has significantly different laws to the US on vaping and they are constantly changing. The latest anti-vaping legislation came into effect in Mexico as recently as January, 2026.

This saw the importation and sale of vapes and related products banned nationwide, with customs officials instructed to check travellers' luggage for multiple devices as this is being treated as 'intent to distribute'.

With their use being banned in all public spaces, it is advisable to leave your vape at home, or face a lengthy conversation with customs that could result in fines up to $12,500.

India

Vaping tourists in India should read up on the country's incredibly restrictive e-cigarette laws before catching their flight, or they could end up on the wrong side of the law.

Penalties for importing or using a vape in India can land you a fine up to $6000 and even see you put in prison for a year, regardless of whether they contain nicotine or not. This also includes heated tobacco products.

All travellers are advised to leave their vapes at home, as Indian officials have zero tolerance for these devices.

India has one of the most restrictive bans on vaping in the world (Sushil Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Singapore

When visiting Singapore, you should also leave your vape at home, as the southeast Asian country also has incredibly restrictive laws on using e-cigarettes.

As with India, you would be best off leaving your vape at home. It is entirely illegal to use or own a vape in Singapore and these devices will be taken off you at the airport if discovered in your luggage.

First time offenders are often fined, but repeat offences have seen people jailed and even deported and banned for using vaping products.

Thailand

Thailand has a number of rules that tourists should read up on before visiting, with strict punishments for anyone who breaks their rules on narcotics. This even includes vaping, which could land you up to 10 years in a Thai prison.

Vaping is 100 percent illegal in Thailand, meaning the sale or possession of a vape will land you on the wrong side of the law. Bringing one into the country will also get you into trouble, so leave your vape at home.

Australia

Despite being famously laid back, the Ozzies can be quite stern when it comes to using nicotine products, including vapes.

Since 2024, all vapes in Australia have been treated as a therapeutic product with their recreational use banned entirely. Instead, you have to go into a pharmacy to purchase any vape or e-liquid, along with a valid prescription for its use.

This law change also made it illegal for any visitors to bring vapes with them when they enter the country, unless they have a valid Australian prescription.

Hong Kong

Importing or selling vapes in Hong Kong can also land you in serious trouble, with prison sentences of up to seven years for those who break the rules.

From April of this year, possessing or using a vape in public, which includes public spaces and even privately-owned cars, is entirely illegal and could land you a significant fine. It is already illegal to do so outside of designated smoking areas, with fines of almost $400 for anyone caught vaping.

Denmark

In comparison to these heavily restrictive countries, Denmark has no such ban on the public sale or use of vapes and similar products. However, if you are hoping to get your favorite flavor of raspberry-watermelon-guava e-liquid, you will be sorely dissapointed.

As part of an effort to lower the risk of people being drawn into vaping by enticing flavors, the only e-liquids available for purchase in Denmark are menthol or tobacco.

United Arab Emirates

Similarly in the UAE, while there are restrictions on the public use of vapes, you are still allowed to bring yours with you when visiting. You can even blow a fat cloud while looking up at Dubai's huge Burj Khalifa.

The main restriction means you cannot use vapes in places like malls or on public transport. The only other restrictions placed on vapers by the Middle Eastern country is the strength of e-liquid, which is limited to having a maximum nicotine content of 20mg.