Vaping Laws in Different Countries

While not banned outright, you can’t actually buy any vape kits or e-liquids in Turkey as none have been successfully licensed, so the sale of vapes is illegal. However, you are allowed to use any vapes you have brought with you without fear. Turkey also doesn’t allow the use of vapes indoors.

Summary:

• Sales: No vape products are licensed—buying vapes is illegal. 
• Use: You may use devices you've brought with you, but indoors (including cafés, hotels, public transport) is off‑limits.  
• Etiquette: Local custom discourages vaping in public areas—even outdoors. 
• Tip: Bring everything you need—Turkey won’t sell it to you. 

In Spain, people are already banned from smoking on beaches in several areas. The Balearic Islands made 28 of their beaches no-smoking areas in 2023 and all 10 Barcelona beaches also prohibit smoking and vaping. Anyone, including British holidaymakers, caught breaking the rules could be faced with fines of up to €2,000. Spain has approved a new anti-smoking plan which limits where people can smoke, increases tobacco prices and includes a crackdown on vaping.

Summary:

• Beach bans: Over 28 Balearic beaches—and all Barcelona beaches—are no-smoking/vaping zones. 
• Penalties: Fines up to €2,000 (~£1,680) for violations. 
• New measures: Anti-smoking laws now restrict vaping in terraces and some public areas.  

The French parliament has voted unanimously to ban single-use e-cigarettes. The law still needs to go through government approval and backing by the EU. If both approve the bill, the government said it hopes the ban will be effective by September 2024.

Summary:

• Single-use e-cigs: A ban has been approved by parliament and is pending EU-level sign-off, which is expected to happen in the not too distant future.  
• Public use: Vaping banned in certain public spaces (e.g. universities, public transport).  

In Portugal, vaping is treated the same way as smoking and is regulated in accordance with the EU Tobacco Products Directive. Vaping is banned in all public enclosed spaces, bars, restaurants, and clubs and you can get fined up to €750 for disobeying the law.

Summary:

• Regulation: Vapes treated same as cigarettes under EU Tobacco Products Directive. 
• Usage ban: Not allowed in enclosed public spaces—bars, restaurants, clubs included. 
• Fines: Up to €750 (~£630).  

Vapes are legal in Italy, both to purchase and to use. They are banned in enclosed spaces and Veneto and Sardinia are completely smoke-free. Violators face fines ranging from €27.50 up to €550.

Summary:

• Status: Legal to buy and use. 
• Restrictions: Banned indoors and in specific areas (Veneto, Sardinia smoke‑free regions). 
• Fines: Range from €27.50 up to €550 (~£46 – £460). 

Disposable vapes are still legal in Greece. You can purchase them without a prescription and there are no legal restrictions on their use in public places. However, there are some regulations that you need to be aware of, such as the maximum nicotine content and the size of the e-liquid cartridges.

Summary:

• Availability: Disposable vapes legal; sold without prescription. 
• Regulations: Nicotine limits and cartridge-size rules apply—but vaping widely permitted, even indoors.  
• Recent updates: Stricter indoor rules now include restaurants, stadiums, and vehicles with minors.  

In the US, vaping laws vary with some states prohibiting vaping in every location where smoking is prohibited, while others have no laws at all regarding vaping. For example, vaping is prohibited in restaurants in Florida but allowed in bars in some localities, such as Miami. In California, e-cigarette use is prohibited in workplaces and many public spaces, including restaurants and bars. Vaping fines vary from $50 up to $500 depending on the state.

Summary:

• State-by-state approach: Many mimic smoking bans; others have no restrictions. 
• Examples: Florida bars ban vaping; California bans vapes in workplaces, restaurants, bars. 
• Fines: Range from $50–$500 (~£40–£400) depending on state.

The strictest country of all is Australia. All vapes are illegal in Australia and can even result in prison time with a sentence of up to two years and fines of around £24,000. So leave the vapes at home if you’re visiting Australia this summer!

Summary:

• Prescription-only: As of 1st July 2024, all vaping products must be pharmacy-dispensed, and nicotine vapes require a prescription. 
• Import rules: Disposable vapes banned; other products require official import permits.  
• Penalties: Non‑compliance can lead to fines up to AU$2.2  million or seven years’ jail. 
• Enforcement: Queensland crackdown includes huge seizures and massive retailer fines.
• Bottom line: Leave your vape gear at home—it’s not worth the risk. 

The full list of countries that have banned disposable vapes are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, North Korea, Ethiopia, Gambia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Syria, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Venezuela.

1. Always check local laws. They vary widely and change fast. If in doubt, contact your local embassy or visit their government website before travelling as they typically have the most up to date information. 
2. Bring your own stash. Especially to places like Turkey or Portugal where products aren’t guaranteed. 
3. Follow procedure. Avoid vaping indoors or near families, even where allowed. 
4. Declare properly. Especially in Australia, where import rules are strict. 
5. Know the cost. Fines range from ~€30 to thousands, with prison possible in extreme cases.