Ethiopia bans the manufacture, sale, distribution and import for trade of e-cigarettes. The law doesn't clearly cover a single device for personal use, so the safest choice is to leave your vape at home.

Can You Fly With a Vape Pen To Ethiopia?

Vaping Regulations in Ethiopia

Ethiopia's Food and Medicine Administration Proclamation No. 1112/2019 bans the manufacture, wholesale, distribution, sale and import for trade of e-cigarettes. The ban also covers other products that resemble cigarettes.

You won't be able to buy a vape, pods or e-liquid legally once you arrive.

Traveling with Vape Pens

The law targets commercial activity, and we found no rule that clearly addresses a traveler carrying one device for personal use. Customs officers may still question or confiscate it.

If you do bring one, the TSA allows electronic smoking devices only in carry-on baggage, never in checked bags.

Alternatives To Vaping In Ethiopia

If you'd rather not bring a vape, pack nicotine replacement products, such as patches or gum, from home instead.

If you're thinking about quitting nicotine, a trip can be a good time to start. A doctor or pharmacist can help you choose an option.

Are Vape Pens Illegal in Ethiopia?

Legality of Vape Pens in Ethiopia

Selling and commercially importing vape pens is illegal in Ethiopia. According to the Tobacco Control Laws summary of Ethiopian law, advertising e-cigarettes is also banned.

There is no law that specifically addresses using an e-cigarette in public places. Be discreet anyway, and don't vape where smoking is banned.

Health Considerations When Using Vape Pens

Vaping is not risk-free. The CDC says there are no safe tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, and that adults who have never smoked should not start.

Alternative Options To Vaping

Nicotine patches or gum are easier to travel with than a vape. Bring enough from home for your whole trip.

Tips for Bringing a Vape Pen on a Plane

If you are only changing planes in Addis Ababa, check with your airline before you fly. Rules for transit passengers can differ from rules for arrivals.

Know Your Airline’s Regulations

Check your airline's rules before you book. TSA notes that airlines may limit how many vaping devices each passenger can carry.

Rules at your destination and at any transit airport can be stricter than at home, so check those too.

Properly Store Your Device

Pack your vape and any spare batteries in your carry-on bag, never in checked luggage. TSA limits each lithium-ion battery to 100 watt-hours, which covers almost all vape batteries.

Switch the device off or lock it so it can't fire by accident. Keep spare batteries in a case, away from keys and coins.

E-liquid in your carry-on follows the liquids rule: containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. Close tanks and pods tightly, since pressure changes in flight can make them leak.

Don’t Vape Onboard

Never vape on the plane, including in the bathroom. Wait until you have left the terminal and are somewhere vaping is allowed.

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Sources

• Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices, Transportation Security Administration
• Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels Rule, Transportation Security Administration
• Ethiopia: E-Cigarettes Main Policies, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Tobacco Control Laws
• E-Cigarettes (Vapes), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention