Whether you’re travelling across the UK or jetting off to an exotic destination, it’s always good to be prepared! Most vapers will be using a vape device to help them keep nicotine cravings under control as a way of quitting cigarettes. By knowing where you can and can’t vape while travelling, you can be prepared for any circumstance in which you won’t be able to curb your cravings with an e-cigarette. With certain countries having harsher rules on the use of e-cigarettes than the UK, it is also important to understand the laws and regulations before you go abroad with your vape kit. Here, we will take a look at some of the rules around vaping while travelling on public transport in the UK, as well as when going abroad on a plane or boat.
  • Vaping on Trains in the UK
  • Vaping on Buses in the UK
  • Vaping on Cruise Ships
  • Vaping on Planes
  • Vaping in Other Countries

Vaping on Trains in the UK

If you’re travelling by train, then you should keep in mind that vaping is almost always banned on trains and at train stations, including on the platform. Some stations may have a designated smoking area that can be used for vaping.

Why Is Vaping Banned on Trains?

Although e-cigarettes are not covered by the smoking legislation that bans the use of cigarettes in enclosed public spaces, many businesses and public places will include e-cigarettes and vape kits within this ban. Northern Rail states on their website that their decision to ban e-cigarettes is “for the comfort of other passengers”.

Which Train Companies Ban Vaping?

Major network operators, including Network Rail and Virgin Trains, have banned vaping on their trains, platforms and stations. Other train companies that have explicitly banned vaping on their trains and platforms include, but are not limited to:
  • TFL
  • Virgin Trains
  • Southern Railway
  • Great Western Railway
  • Southeastern
  • Northern
  • Great Northern
  • ScotRail
  • London Midland
  • Gatwick Express
  • Thameslink
  • Eurostar

Vaping on Buses and Coaches in the UK

Rules for buses vary between providers, but most bus services have blanket bans on the use of vape devices on their buses. You should check with your bus operator before you get out your vape kit!

Why is Vaping Banned on Buses?

While it is not strictly illegal to vape on a bus, many companies have banned the use of e-cigarettes onboard buses for the comfort of the other travellers, and this ban must be followed.

Which Bus Companies Ban Vaping?

Transport for London has a ban on e-cigarettes on their buses and on the London Underground. National Express, Arriva and Stagecoach all also prohibit the use of a vape device while onboard. If you are caught vaping on a National Express bus or coach, you may be asked to leave the vehicle without receiving a refund.

Vaping on Cruise Ships and Ferries

Many cruise ships and ferries will have a designated smoking area, but it would be beneficial to check with your cruise provider before you end up spending 3 weeks at sea without being able to vape! Smoking has been banned in cabins and most balconies, so it is likely that vaping would fall under those rules too.

Which Cruise Ships Can I Vape On?

Princess Cruises is the only cruise operator that allows vaping in cabins or staterooms. Most cruise lines will have a dedicated smoking area, where you will also be allowed to vape. The following cruise lines have a dedicated smoking bar or lounge:
  • Carnival Cruise Line
  • Cunard Line
  • Marella Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Princess Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean

Vaping on Planes

Using an e-cigarette on a plane is not permitted by any airline. Being caught trying to vape on a plane can lead to severe legal penalties. Vapers who have attempted to vape on a flight have been known to receive lifetime bans from the airline. They have detectors on board, including in the airplane toilets, so you can’t try to sneakily vape in the loo.

Can I Take My Vape on a Plane?

Your vape kit needs to be packed into your carry on hand luggage. Airlines do not allow vape kits, e-cigarettes, or E-Liquids to be packed in the hold luggage, as the lithium batteries in the vape kits can be a fire hazard in the cargo. You should check with your specific airline before you travel, as some will have varied rules regarding the amount of accessories you can bring; for example, Easy Jet limits vapers to a maximum of two spare batteries.

Can I Bring Vape Juice or E-Liquid on a Plane?

E-Liquid should also be stored in your carry on hand luggage when travelling by plane, and not put in the hold luggage. E-Liquid bottles need to follow the same rules as other liquids on planes. They count towards your liquid limit; the bottles must be 100ml or less and should be stored in a clear plastic bag along with your toiletries.

Can You Vape In Airports?

The use of e-cigarettes is banned in all UK airports. For airports abroad, you should check with the specific airport you will be travelling through, as rules vary between each. Generally speaking, vaping will be banned inside airports, but many will have dedicated smoking areas outside. a globe

Vaping in Other Countries

It is important to consider that vaping rules vary around the world, and there are some countries where it is illegal to vape. In these instances, you will not be able to use your vape kit. There are some countries where vaping is legal (although not common) but the sale of E-Liquids and accessories are prohibited, so you will not be able to purchase new supplies while abroad. You should check the latest rules and laws for each country online before you visit.

Where Is It Illegal to Vape?

Over 40 countries have some form of ban on vaping - whether that is using e-cigarettes or selling vape products. Laws about vaping do change, so it is always best to check. These are the countries where it is illegal to use a vape device:
  • Nicaragua
  • The Gambia
  • Cambodia
  • East Timor
  • North Korea
  • Myanmar
  • Singapore
  • Vatican City
  • Indonesia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Qatar
  • Oman
  • Taiwan (passengers are not allowed to carry vape kits or E-Liquid into Taiwan. If Taiwan is a layover, you must go to “Goods to Declare”)
There are also some countries where vaping is not strictly illegal, but it is advised that you do not vape in these locations, as you may face a fine or penalty. These include:
  • Egypt
  • UAE
  • India (reports of vape kits being seized on arrival)
  • Philippines (travellers advised not to bring vape kits through customs)
  • Turkey (reports of vape kits being seized on arrival)
  • Nepal (legal to use, but banned in public)
If you’re planning a trip to somewhere where vaping is legal, but want a smaller vape device to fit in your luggage, then the nzo vape kit could be just the thing! A simple kit with a compact design, the nzo won’t take up any room in your luggage. The easy to use cartridge pods will help reduce leaks and won’t take up too much of your liquid allowance either.