Planning a trip to North Korea with a vape pen? Here is what the flight rules say and what little is known about vaping rules for visitors.

Can You Fly With a Vape Pen To North Korea?

What Are Vape Pens?

A vape pen is a small battery-powered device that heats e-liquid into an aerosol you inhale. Most e-liquids contain nicotine, which is addictive.

This guide is for adults who already vape. If you don't use nicotine, don't start.

Can You Fly With A Vape Pen To North Korea?

The flight itself is the easy part. Airlines allow vapes in your carry-on bag or on your person, never in checked luggage.

Getting into North Korea is the hard part. The UK government notes that borders have been closed to general entry since 2020, with only limited tourism restarting, and it advises against all but essential travel.

Visitors normally travel on organized tours. Customs officers register foreign phones and keep GPS devices, so expect your bags to be checked closely.

Are There Alternatives For Travellers Who Need Nicotine While In North Korea?

Don't count on buying vape supplies there. Bring only what you need for personal use, and ask your tour operator before you go whether your device is likely to cause problems.

If you plan to go without vaping, talk to a doctor or pharmacist about nicotine replacement products such as patches or gum.

Are Vape Pens Illegal in North Korea?

Overview of Laws

We could not find a reliable, published source on North Korea's e-cigarette rules. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' legal database has no e-cigarette data for the country.

Legal Status

Because the rules are unclear, treat your vape as something officials may question or confiscate.

Don't vape anywhere smoking isn't allowed, and follow your guides' instructions at all times.

Conclusion

You can carry a vape on the plane, but North Korea is one of the hardest countries to visit and its vaping rules are not public. Leaving the vape at home is the lowest-risk choice.

Tips for Bringing a Vape Pen on a Plane

Consider the Regulations:

The TSA allows vapes in carry-on bags only. Check your airline's limit on how many devices you can bring.

Prepare Your Device:

Switch your vape off and protect it from turning on by accident. Each lithium-ion battery must be 100 watt-hours or less.

The FAA says vapes must never be used or charged on the aircraft.

Packing Tips:

Keep spare batteries in a case so the terminals can't touch metal. Carry e-liquid in bottles of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, inside your quart-size liquids bag.

READ MORE: Can You Fly With A Vape Pen To Korea, South

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Sources

• North Korea travel advice: warnings and insurance, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• North Korea travel advice: entry requirements, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices, Transportation Security Administration
• Vapes On A Plane Marketing Kit, Federal Aviation Administration