Can you bring a vape pen to Antigua and Barbuda? Airlines allow vapes in carry-on bags, but the country's tobacco law bans importing and selling e-cigarettes.

Can You Fly With a Vape Pen To Antigua and Barbuda?

Vaping Laws in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda's Tobacco Control Act 2018 has been in force since January 1, 2024, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' legal summary.

Section 10 of the Act bans importing, selling or displaying any product that imitates or resembles a tobacco product.

The Act's penalty section also lets officials confiscate, forfeit and destroy products that imitate tobacco products, naming e-cigarettes directly.

That means a vape in your luggage can be taken from you on arrival. The safe choice is to leave it at home.

The Official Line

A person shall not manufacture, import, distribute at wholesale, sell, or display for sale in Antigua and Barbuda, or advertise or promote, any sweets, snacks, toys or other non-tobacco items or objects in the form of tobacco products, or any products which imitate or resemble, in whole or part, tobacco products.

Tobacco Control Act 2018, Section 10

The Unofficial Line

One traveler, Tilly41, wrote on a TripAdvisor forum that vaping itself isn't banned but bringing in equipment is, and that some people still vape on the islands.

That is one person's experience, not legal advice. The import rules are what count at customs.

Airline Regulations Regarding Vapes

The flight is the easy part. Airlines allow vape pens in carry-on bags or on your person, never in checked luggage.

The FAA says vapes must stay in the cabin and must never be used or charged on the aircraft.

The TSA adds that each lithium-ion battery must be 100 watt-hours or less, and you must stop the device from switching on by accident.

Are Vape Pens Illegal in Antigua and Barbuda?

Laws Concerning Vape Pens in Antigua and Barbuda

The Act doesn't clearly ban using a vape you already own. But importing and selling e-cigarette-style products is banned, so you can't legally bring one in or buy one locally.

The legal age to buy tobacco products in Antigua and Barbuda is at least 18.

Vaping Regulations in Antiguan Public Spaces

The Act bans smoking in indoor public places, indoor workplaces and public transport, plus outdoor places such as parks and playgrounds.

The Act defines smoking in terms of lit tobacco products, so it's unclear how these rules apply to vapes. Treat smoke-free areas as vape-free too.

Health Concerns Regarding Vape Pens

Vapes are for adult smokers, not for non-smokers or anyone underage. In the US, federal Tobacco 21 law has banned selling e-cigarettes to anyone under 21 since December 2019.

Tips for Bringing a Vape Pen on a Plane

With a bit of preparation, flying with a vape pen is simple. Here are some tips:

Do Your Research: Antigua and Barbuda bans importing e-cigarette-style products. Check the law for your destination and every country where you change planes before you pack a vape.

Pack Smartly: Keep your vape and any spare batteries in your carry-on. Switch the device off or lock it, and store spare batteries in a case so the terminals can't touch metal.

Be Courteous & Respectful: There is no vaping on commercial flights, and you can't charge a vape on board either.

READ MORE: Fly With A Vape Pen To Argentina

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Sources

• Antigua and Barbuda Tobacco Control Act 2018, Government of Antigua and Barbuda (via Tobacco Control Laws)
• Antigua and Barbuda: Summary, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (Tobacco Control Laws)
• Vapes On A Plane Marketing Kit, Federal Aviation Administration
• Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping Devices, Transportation Security Administration