Planning a trip to Laos with a vape pen? Leave it at home. Laos bans e-cigarettes, including possession and import.

Can You Fly With a Vape Pen To Laos?

Overview of Regulations

No, you should not bring a vape pen to Laos. Its Tobacco Control Law bans the use, production, import, export, transport and trade of e-cigarettes.

Your airline may let you carry a vape on board, but that doesn't make it legal to bring into Laos.

Vaping Laws In Laos

The UK government warns that using e-cigarettes, heated tobacco and shisha is illegal in Laos. You could be fined or imprisoned for possessing, using, importing, selling, buying or exporting them.

Regular cigarettes are common and legal, but vapes are not. The rules apply to visitors as well as locals.

Using A Vape Pen Onboard The Plane

You can't vape on any plane. The FAA says vapes must never be used or charged on the aircraft.

Are Vape Pens Illegal in Laos?

Overview of Laws in Laos

Yes. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' summary of Laos's amended Tobacco Control Law lists e-cigarette sales as banned and says the law bans any use of e-cigarettes.

Possession of Vaping Products

Possession is an offense too. Visitors are not exempt, so don't pack a vape, pods or e-liquid.

Laos is also extremely strict on drugs, including cannabis. Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty, and airports scan for illegal substances.

Restrictions On Sale And Use Of Vape Pens

Because the law bans e-cigarettes outright, there is no legal age to buy them and no legal place to use them. Advertising and sponsorship are banned as well.

Tips for Bringing a Vape Pen on a Plane

These tips apply when you fly to countries where vaping is legal. For Laos, leave your vape at home.

Plan Ahead

Check the laws of every country on your route, including stopovers. Laos is one of several Asian countries that ban vapes.

Research Rules & Regulations

The TSA allows vapes in carry-on bags only, never in checked luggage. Check your airline's limit on how many devices you can carry.

Check Your Batteries

Each lithium-ion battery must be 100 watt-hours or less. Keep spare batteries in a case so the terminals can't touch metal.

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Sources

• Laos travel advice: safety and security, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
• Lao PDR: E-Cigarettes, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (Tobacco Control Laws)
• Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices, Transportation Security Administration
• Vapes On A Plane Marketing Kit, Federal Aviation Administration