Planning a vacation in Europe? The regulation of vapes varies greatly among different countries: neighboring countries may have completely different rules. Before putting the device in your carry on luggage, it is easier to travel by understanding local regulations.

Is vapes completely banned in Europe?

  • There is no general ban at the EU level. Most countries allow the use of vapes, but there are restrictions on product sales and usage scenarios.
  • Policies are frequently updated, and it is important to double check official information before departure.
  • Basic etiquette applies to any place: avoid using in enclosed public spaces such as restaurants, bars, and public transportation, respect others, and do not disturb children and sensitive groups.

Regulation is not limited to the equipment itself

  • Many countries have implemented bans or stricter restrictions on the sale of disposable vapes.
  • Other nicotine products, such as nicotine bags, strips, etc., may also be regulated or banned. France, the Netherlands, Belgium and other places have taken action against nicotine bags.
  • Before packing, check if all the product types and quantities you plan to carry are compliant.

List of rules in various countries/regions

France France

Allow for use and sale, but regulation continues to tighten.

  • Disposable vapes will be banned from February 2025
  • Equipment and e-liquid can be purchased in stores
  • Nicotine concentration and fuel tank capacity are limited

Spain Spain

Can be used, but with clear scene limitations.

  • Disposable vapes have been banned
  • Closed public spaces, medical institutions usually prohibit vaping, and some hotels also prohibit vaping; Restrictions on beaches and popular attractions are becoming stricter
  • Avoid using in areas around children and dense crowds
  • The set and e-liquid are easily available in the store

Portugal Portugal

It can be used legally, but the retail access is strict and it is not convenient to obtain.

  • There are selling points, but due to high license requirements, the distribution of stores is limited
  • Closed public places and places with children present are prohibited, and violations may result in penalties
  • Disposable vapes have not been completely banned, but they are difficult to find on the market; Can be brought with you

Italy, Italy

Legitimate and purchasable, but with an increase in e-liquid tax.

  • Indoor public spaces and public transportation are prohibited
  • Operators/venues may prohibit the use of their premises on their own
  • Disposable products are legal locally, but please verify aviation and customs regulations when entering or leaving the country

Türkiye

A popular destination, but with strict market control.

  • The use is not illegal, but the sale of vapes and e-liquid is prohibited
  • Not encouraged to use in public places (including streets); Avoid indoor and public transportation use, try to be low-key and private as much as possible
  • Need to bring your own equipment and e-liquid

Greece Greece

Overall, it is relatively loose and follows common product limits.

  • Widely allowed to use
  • Nicotine concentration and container capacity limits are similar to those in the UK
  • Disposable vapes are still legal at present; Flavor restrictions have been discussed but have not yet been fully implemented
  • There are a large number of stores, making supply convenient

Bulgaria, Bulgaria

Permitted for use, but subject to significant policy fluctuations.

  • Once briefly launched a comprehensive ban on sales/distribution/advertising, which was later adjusted, and the focus may shift to disposable products
  • May move towards stricter regulation; Public opinion is divided, it is recommended to keep a low profile and comply with regulations
  • Prohibition of public transportation and enclosed spaces; Suggest bringing your own device and e-liquid

Netherlands

It is allowed to be used, but the flavor is significantly restricted.

  • Retail ban on flavored e-liquid (usually only with “tobacco flavor”)
  • Indoor and public transportation prohibited
  • Can bring a small amount of flavored e-liquid for personal use, with limited retail options

Czech Republic

Overall, it is relatively loose, but the changes are accelerating.

  • Legal and easily accessible
  • Disposable vapes are banned; Flavor ban has been discussed
  • Prohibited in hospitals, public transportation and other places
  • According to airline regulations, most equipment and e-liquids can be carried

Belgium, Belgium

Can be used, but sales restrictions are strict.

  • Ban on the sale of disposable and flavored e-liquids
  • Indoor spaces are usually not allowed, while outdoor spaces are more tolerant
  • Small amounts of self use flavor oil usually do not cause problems, but local law enforcement shall prevail

Germany, Germany

Widely allowed for use, with some flavors restricted.

  • There are more options for equipment and e-liquid, but the density is not as good as in the UK
  • Some flavors have been banned; If you have a preference for taste, it is recommended to bring your own
  • Prohibited for regular indoor and public transportation scenarios

Croatia Croatia

Overall open, but pay attention to specific scenarios.

  • There are many stores available for supplying equipment and e-liquid
  • Street text is not allowed to be used; Please choose a private space or designate a smoking/vaping area
  • According to airport/airline regulations, most equipment and e-liquids can be carried

Iceland Iceland

Allow for use, relatively convenient to purchase.

  • Equipment and e-liquid are easily accessible
  • Streets and some public spaces are allowed, but attention must be paid to on-site signage
  • Flavored e-liquids are regulated; Nicotine upper limit is consistent with the UK (20 mg/ml)

Sweden, Sweden

The rules are synchronized with the smoking ban.

  • Available in areas where smoking is allowed; Restaurants, hospitals, indoor public areas, etc. are prohibited
  • Streets are generally allowed; Some outdoor public spaces are also available
  • There is currently no flavor ban, and it is unlikely to change in the short term

Norway Norway

Available, but retail schedule will change.

  • Currently, the sales of nicotine containing products are restricted, but this does not equate to a ‘ban’
  • Starting from July 1, 2025, nicotine containing vapes will be allowed for sale
  • Travelers can bring their own devices and e-liquid for personal use

5 additional practical tips (recommended for collection)

  • 🔋 Battery and Charging

    • Lithium batteries and equipment must be carried with you and not checked in; Install the spare battery into the insulated battery box
    • Pay attention to the watt hour restrictions of airlines/airports on lithium batteries and power banks (commonly ≤ 100Wh)
    • Equipped with a European standard plug converter (Type C/F) and USB-C cable, some hotel sockets are limited

  • ✈️ Flight leak prevention and packaging

    • Leave space for the fuel tank or reduce it by half before takeoff, as pressure changes can cause leakage
    • Remove the smoke bomb/oil tank and place it upright in a sealed bag; Try not to refuel in the cabin as much as possible
    • Protect the interface with a tissue/silicone cover and carry a wet wipe with you for cleaning

  • 🧾 Customs and carrying capacity

    • Adhere to the principle of “self use” and avoid exceeding the limit; Keep shopping receipts for future reference
    • Most EU countries follow the TPD baseline: nicotine concentration ≤ 20 mg/ml, oil tank ≤ 2 ml, and retail bottles containing nicotine mostly ≤ 10 ml. Entry for “personal use” is not an exemption from all restrictions and is still subject to local regulations
    • Disposable and nicotine bag/strip alternatives have greater differences, please refer to the official announcement before departure

  • 🏨 Hotels and large venues

    • Many hotel rooms/balconies explicitly prohibit vaping, and violations may result in cleaning fees being charged; Priority use of designated smoking areas
    • Sports stadiums, concerts, museums, and other venues often have zero tolerance and may confiscate disposable or large bottles of liquids
    • Choose small bottles (≤ 10 ml) and low fog devices when needed to reduce interference and risk

  • ♻️ Recycling and Environmental Protection

    • Recycling disposable equipment and batteries in accordance with WEEE regulations in the European Union; Can be placed in vape stores/recycling points
    • Do not pour the remaining liquid into the sewer or dispose of it casually; Store waste liquid in small empty bottles
    • Stay away from children and pets to avoid accidental contact

Pre departure checklist

  • Put vapes and batteries in carry on luggage and follow the transportation rules for 100ml of carry on liquid and batteries
  • Understand the specific requirements of airlines and departure/transit/arrival airports
  • Check the latest policies on usage and sales in the destination country before traveling

Summary

Before departure, check the latest regulations of the destination and airline, carry batteries and small bottles of liquid properly, and respect local etiquette. Your European journey will be both compliant and worry free.