What Countries Have Made Vaping Illegal?

About 30 countries ban the sale of all e-cigarettes, including Thailand, Singapore, India, Brazil, and Argentina. In some, such as Thailand and Singapore, simply having a vape is illegal too.

Laws change often, and a sales ban doesn't always tell you whether a visitor can bring a vape in. Before you travel, check with the destination country's embassy and your government's travel advice.

So which countries have banned vaping, and why?

Here's what official sources show.

The Controversial Nature of Vaping

Vaping has been controversial since it first appeared. Supporters say it helps adult smokers quit, while critics worry about youth use and unknown long-term effects.

There's evidence on both sides. A 2018 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found conclusive evidence that switching completely from cigarettes to e-cigarettes reduces exposure to many toxicants and carcinogens.

The same report found substantial evidence that young people who vape are more likely to try cigarettes. It also noted that long-term health effects were still unknown.

Governments weigh these points differently. Some regulate vapes like tobacco, some require a prescription, and some ban them.

Vaping is illegal in Thailand

Countries Where Vaping is Banned

The Johns Hopkins Global Tobacco Control policy scan lists 31 countries that ban the sale of all types of e-cigarettes. They include:

• Argentina
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Cambodia
• India
• Iran
• Lebanon
• Nepal
• Panama
• Qatar
• Singapore
• Sri Lanka
• Thailand
• Uruguay

The scan's page is dated 2023, so check for newer changes before you travel.

Thailand bans the manufacture, import, and sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids, according to the Tobacco Control Laws database for Thailand. UK travel advice for Thailand says possessing or using any vape is also illegal, with fines typically of 5,000 to 30,000 baht and no exception for tourists.

Singapore bans vapes, and UK travel advice says it's illegal to bring them in, even for personal use. Vapes found are confiscated, and owners can be fined.

India bans the production, import, export, transport, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes under a 2019 law.

Not banned, but regulated: Some countries often named on "ban" lists actually allow regulated sales. Jordan and Saudi Arabia, for example, allow e-cigarette sales under rules such as a 20 mg/mL nicotine cap, according to tobaccocontrollaws.org.

Couldn't verify: We couldn't confirm current rules for Bhutan or Kuwait from an official source. If you're going there, check with the embassy before you pack a vape.

Canada has strict laws on vaping and dab pens

Countries with Strict Regulations on Vaping

Many countries allow vaping but restrict it with age limits, nicotine caps, advertising rules, or taxes.

• Australia: You need a prescription to buy nicotine vapes, according to UK travel advice. Australia also has strict rules on importing vaping goods, and the rules may change.
• Canada: Vaping is legal for adults. Since July 2021, Health Canada caps nicotine in vaping products at 20 mg/mL.
• India: Vaping products are banned under the 2019 law, which covers their production, import, sale, and distribution.
• United States: Vaping is legal for adults, with federal and state rules. FDA regulates e-cigarettes as tobacco products, and since December 20, 2019, federal law bars sales to anyone under 21.

READ MORE: Can I Fly to Canada with a Vape Pen?

The Future of Vaping

Vaping laws keep changing. Some countries have tightened rules on disposables, flavors, or nicotine strength, while others have moved toward prescription or licensing models.

As research on long-term health effects grows, more countries are likely to revise their laws. Check the current rules wherever you live or travel.

If you fly, keep vapes and spare batteries in your carry-on, never in checked bags, and never use or charge them on the plane.

What Countries is Vaping Still Illegal in?

About 30 countries ban e-cigarette sales, including Thailand, Singapore, India, Brazil, Argentina, Brunei, Cambodia, Qatar, and Uruguay. In Thailand and Singapore, possession is illegal too.

Countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States allow vaping with varying degrees of regulation. Australia requires a prescription for nicotine vapes.

Vaping is only for adult smokers. Non-smokers and anyone under 21 in the US should not start. If you do vape, follow the laws where you are, and check with the embassy before traveling with a vape.

And above all, be considerate: don't vape where it isn't allowed, and never blow clouds in someone's face.

READ MORE: How to Vape Without Coughing

Sources

• E-Cigarette Sale Policies, Global Tobacco Control, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
• Thailand: E-Cigarettes, Tobacco Control Laws (Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)
• Thailand: Safety and Security, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• Australia: Safety and Security, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office