British holidaymakers are being warned about potential fines of up to €2,000 – that's currently over £1,700 – for vaping in certain popular destinations, including Spain.
The rules are important to be shared as many Brits now vape instead of smoking, but could still land in trouble if they vape in the wrong place. It comes as the UK government announces new restrictions on the sale and purchase of vapes.
Several countries are implementing similar rules, with some even threatening jail time for offenders. Therefore, being aware of these changing laws could significantly impact your summer holiday plans this year.
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Markus Lindblad, an expert from vape retailer Haypp, has broken down all the rules you need to know about vaping in some of the UK's favourite holiday spot. If you, or a family member, vapes, then you should check them before you fly.
Turkey
Although not completely banned, purchasing vape kits or e-liquids in Turkey is illegal as none have been successfully licensed, according to Markus. However, tourists can use any vapes they bring with them without worry, reports Bristol Live. It's worth noting that indoor vaping is also prohibited in Turkey.
Spain
Spain has already implemented bans on smoking on beaches in several areas. The Balearic Islands declared 28 of their beaches as no-smoking zones in 2023, and all 10 Barcelona beaches also prohibit both smoking and vaping.
Any rule-breakers, including British tourists, could face hefty fines of up to €2,000. Spain has recently approved a new anti-smoking plan that restricts where people can smoke, increases tobacco prices, and includes a crackdown on vaping.
France
The French parliament has unanimously voted to ban single-use e-cigarettes. The proposed law still needs the green light from the government and the EU. If it gets the thumbs up, the ban could be in place by September 2024.
Portugal
In Portugal, vaping is treated just like smoking, following the EU Tobacco Products Directive. Vaping is a no-go in all public enclosed spaces, bars, restaurants, and clubs. Break the rules and you could be slapped with a fine of up to €750.
Italy
In Italy, vapes are legal to buy and use. However, they're banned in enclosed spaces and both Veneto and Sardinia are completely smoke-free. Those caught flouting the rules could face fines ranging from €27.50 to €550.
Greece
Disposable vapes are still on the market in Greece, Markus warns. They can be bought without a prescription and there's no law against using them in public places. But, there are some rules to keep in mind, such as limits on nicotine content and the size of the e-liquid cartridges.
USA
Over in the US, the laws around vaping are a mixed bag. Some states ban vaping wherever smoking is prohibited, while others have no specific laws about vaping at all.
For instance, in Florida, vaping is banned in restaurants but permitted in some bars in areas like Miami. Over in California, the use of e-cigarettes is forbidden in workplaces and many public spaces, including eateries and pubs. The fines for vaping can range from $50 to a whopping $500, depending on the state.
Australia
Australia could be considered the most stringent country when it comes to vaping. All vapes are outlawed in Australia, Markus reveals, and could even lead to jail time with a sentence of up to two years and hefty fines of around £24,000.
Full list of countries that have banned disposable vapes:
The list includes Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, North Korea, Ethiopia, Gambia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Panama, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Syria, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Venezuela.
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