Vaping Laws You Need to Know in Spain, Portugal, Greece and More

The UK government has announced new restrictions on the sale and purchase of vape pens in the UK, but holidaymakers need to be aware that other countries are also introducing new and stricter regulations. With some countries imposing huge fines and others even prison sentences, knowing the rules could make all the difference to your summer holiday this year.

Vaping expert Markus Lindblad from Haypp reveals everything you need to know about vaping in some of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations.

Turkey
Although it is not completely banned, you cannot buy any vaping kits or e-liquids in Turkey, as none of them have been successfully licensed, so it is illegal to sell vaporizers. However, you can use any vaporizers you brought with you without worrying. Turkey also does not allow the use of vaporizers indoors.

Spain
In Spain, smoking on beaches is already banned in several areas. The Balearic Islands have declared 28 of their beaches as smoke-free zones in 2023, while all 10 beaches in Barcelona also ban smoking and vaping. Anyone caught breaking the rules, including British holidaymakers, could be fined up to €2,000. Spain has approved a new anti-smoking plan that restricts where people can smoke, raises tobacco prices and includes a crackdown on vaping.

France
The French parliament has voted unanimously to ban disposable e-cigarettes. The bill still needs to go through government approval and EU backing. If both sides approve the bill, the government has said it hopes the ban will come into effect by September 2024.

Portugal
In Portugal, vaping is treated the same as smoking and is regulated under the EU Tobacco Products Directive. Vaping is banned in all enclosed public spaces, bars, restaurants and clubs, and non-compliance can result in fines of up to €750.

Italy
Vaporizers are legal in Italy, both to buy and to use. They are banned in closed spaces, and Veneto and Sardinia are completely smoke-free. Violators face fines ranging from €27.50 to €550.

Greece
Disposable vaporizers are still legal in Greece. They can be purchased without a prescription and there are no legal restrictions on their use in public places. However, there are some regulations to be aware of, such as the maximum nicotine content and the size of the e-liquid cartridges.

USA
Vaping laws vary across the United States, with some states banning vaping in any place where smoking is prohibited, while others have no vaping laws at all. For example, vaping is banned in restaurants in Florida, but allowed in bars in some locations, such as Miami. In California, e-cigarette use is banned in workplaces and many public places, including restaurants and bars. Fines for vaping range from $50 to $500, depending on the state.

Australia
The strictest country of all is Australia. All vapes are illegal in Australia and can result in a prison sentence of up to two years and a fine of around £24,000. So leave your vapes at home if you’re visiting Australia this summer!

The full list of countries that have banned disposable e-cigarettes includes: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cape 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.