Can you bring a vape pen with you to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)? Here are the flight rules, what we know about local laws, and how to get through airport security without problems.

Can You Fly With a Vape Pen To the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

What is a Vape Pen?

A vape pen is a battery-powered device that heats a liquid into an aerosol that the user inhales.

It has three main parts: a lithium battery, an atomizer (coil) that heats the liquid, and a mouthpiece. Most e-liquids contain nicotine, which is addictive.

The lithium battery is why airlines have special rules for vapes.

Can You Fly With a Vape Pen To Congo?

Yes, airlines allow vape pens in your carry-on bag or on your person. They are banned from checked luggage on every airline.

These rules are the same on domestic and international flights, so they apply on flights into, out of and within the DRC. The FAA says to keep vapes in the cabin and never use or charge them on board.

Check your airline's own limits, such as how many devices you can carry.

How Can I Travel Safely With My Vape Pen?

Follow these steps before you board:

• Keep your vape and any spare batteries in your carry-on, not checked bags.
• Switch the device off or lock it so it can't fire in your bag.
• Store spare batteries in a battery case so the terminals can't short circuit.
• Keep e-liquid bottles at 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in your quart-sized liquids bag.
• Charge your device before the flight, because you can't charge it on board.

Keep your vape out of direct sun and extreme heat, which can damage the battery. Always follow instructions from airport security staff.

Are Vape Pens Illegal in Congo, Democratic Republic of the?

Overview

We could not find a law in the DRC that bans or specifically regulates e-cigarettes.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' legal database has no e-cigarette rules on file for the country. Johns Hopkins' Global Tobacco Control scan also does not list the DRC among countries that regulate e-cigarette sales.

Vaping Regulations

No vape-specific law on file does not mean anything goes. Tobacco rules or local rules may still apply, and laws change.

Check with the DRC embassy or your airline before you travel.

Conclusion

You can fly to the DRC with a vape pen in your carry-on, but we could not confirm the local rules on vaping. Avoid vaping indoors or in crowded public places, and ask before you vape in hotels or restaurants.

Never bring cannabis or THC products.

Tips for Bringing a Vape Pen on a Plane

Plan Ahead

In the United States, the TSA allows vapes in carry-on bags only. Do not put your vape in a checked bag.

Check your airline's policy on vaping devices before you travel, including any limit on how many you can bring.

Research Rules & Regulations

Check the vaping rules at your destination and at any stopover airports.

Vaping is banned on all commercial flights, at every stage of the flight, not just during takeoff and landing.

Check Your Batteries

Most vapes use lithium ion batteries, which are dangerous goods in air travel. They must be 100 Wh or less and can't go in checked baggage.

You can leave the battery in the device. Spare batteries must go in your carry-on with the terminals protected, for example in a battery case.

Tell a flight attendant right away if your device gets hot or starts to smoke.

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Sources

• Democratic Republic of the Congo: E-Cigarettes, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (Tobacco Control Laws)
• E-Cigarette Policy Scan: Sale, Global Tobacco Control (Johns Hopkins)
• Vapes On A Plane Marketing Kit, Federal Aviation Administration
• PackSafe: Lithium Batteries, Federal Aviation Administration