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Can you fly with a vape pen to Panama? Panama bans the sale of e-cigarettes. Here is what that means for your trip.

Can You Fly With a Vape Pen To Panama?

What is a Vape Pen?

A vape pen is a small, battery-powered device that heats a liquid (e-liquid) into an aerosol that the user inhales. Most e-liquids contain nicotine.

Because the battery is lithium, vape pens fall under airline dangerous goods rules.

Can You Fly With A Vape Pen To Panama?

Airlines allow vapes in your carry-on bag or on your person, never in checked luggage.

Spare lithium batteries must also stay in the cabin, with the terminals covered so they can't short-circuit.

You can't vape or charge your device on the plane. The FAA says these rules are the same on domestic and international flights.

The bigger question is Panama's own law. Panama's Law No. 315 of 2022 bans the sale of e-cigarettes, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids legal database.

We couldn't confirm whether visitors may bring a vape for personal use, so check with Panama's embassy before you fly.

Are There Alternatives To Flying With A Vape Pen To Panama?

Because e-cigarette sales are banned, you won't be able to legally buy a vape or e-liquid once you arrive.

If the embassy can't confirm that a personal vape is allowed, the safest choice is to leave it at home.

Are Vape Pens Illegal in Panama?

Overview of Legal Situation in Panama

Selling e-cigarettes is illegal in Panama under Law No. 315 of 2022. The same law bans promoting e-cigarettes online.

The Current Status Quo for Vape Pens

Panama also bans vaping wherever smoking is banned: all indoor public places, indoor workplaces and public transport.

The UK government's travel advice confirms that e-cigarette use is banned in public places, and says smoking where it's not allowed can bring a fine of 25 to 100 US dollars.

Conclusion

Panama is not a vape-friendly destination. Sales are banned, public vaping is banned, and the rules for bringing a personal device are unclear.

Check with the embassy before you pack a vape.

Tips for Bringing a Vape Pen on a Plane

Know the Regulations

Check your airline's rules and the laws of every country on your route. Some airlines limit how many vaping devices you can carry.

Vaping is banned on board commercial flights, and you can't charge your vape on the plane either.

Pack Smartly

Switch the device off or lock it so it can't fire in your bag. The TSA requires steps to prevent accidental activation.

Keep spare batteries in a battery case or their retail packaging so the terminals can't touch keys, coins or each other.

At US airports, e-liquid bottles in your carry-on must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less and fit in your quart-sized liquids bag.

Check the liquids rule at every airport on your route, including the one you fly home from.

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Sources

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