Think twice before taking a vape pen to Rwanda. Officials have reportedly said vaping products are not permitted there, and vapes may only fly in your carry-on.

Can You Fly With a Vape Pen To Rwanda?

Overview of Regulations

Rwanda is not a safe place to bring a vape. We could not find the legal text, but recent reports quote Rwanda's health minister and police saying vaping products are not permitted.

The safest choice is to leave your vape and e-liquid at home. If you need to bring one, ask the Rwandan embassy first.

Airport Rules & Regulations

Vapes can fly, but only in your carry-on bag or on your person. TSA rules for vaping devices ban them from checked luggage.

You must take effective steps to stop the heating element from switching on by accident. Each lithium-ion battery must be 100 watt-hours or less, which covers almost all vape batteries.

The FAA says vapes must never be used or charged on the aircraft. Keep yours switched off or locked for the whole flight.

E-liquid in your carry-on follows the TSA liquids rule: bottles of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, packed in one quart-sized bag.

These are US rules. Airlines elsewhere apply similar battery rules, so check with your airline before you fly.

Declaring Your Vaping Supplies

We could not find official guidance on declaring vapes at Rwandan customs. Ask the Rwandan embassy before you travel rather than relying on an airport to approve your device.

Are Vape Pens Illegal in Rwanda?

Vape Pen Regulations in Rwanda

Rwanda takes a strict line on some nicotine products. The WHO reports that Rwanda banned shisha (water-pipe tobacco) by ministerial order in December 2017, covering its use, advertising and import.

For vapes, we could not find the specific law or order. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' legal database also has no e-cigarette rules on file for Rwanda.

Penalties

We could not verify what penalties apply to vaping in Rwanda. Don't assume a vape will be tolerated because you are a visitor.

Conclusion

Treat vaping in Rwanda as banned unless the embassy tells you otherwise. If you do fly with a vape on another trip, it goes in your carry-on only.

Tips for Bringing a Vape Pen on a Plane

• Carry-on only: pack the vape and any spare batteries in your carry-on. If your bag is gate-checked, take them out first.
• Prevent activation: switch the device off or lock it, and keep spare batteries in a case away from keys and coins.
• Liquids: keep e-liquid bottles at 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, in your liquids bag. Pressure changes can make tanks leak, so carry them empty or in a sealed bag.
• No vaping on board: don't use or charge your vape on the plane, and only vape in airport areas where signs allow it.
• Never pack cannabis or THC products: they can break the law at your departure point, your destination, or both.
• Check the destination: Rwanda officials have reportedly said vaping products are not permitted, so confirm with the Rwandan embassy or leave your vape at home.

READ MORE: Can You Fly With A Vape Pen To Saint Kitts and Nevis

I’ve also written about: Can You Fly With A Vape Pen To Saint Lucia

Sources

• Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices, Transportation Security Administration
• Vapes On A Plane Marketing Kit, Federal Aviation Administration
• Rwanda banned totally Shisha, World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa
• Main Policies: E-Cigarettes, Rwanda, Tobacco Control Laws (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)