Countries Where Vapes Are Banned in 2026 [Complete List]

More than 40 countries ban the sale of vapes, but far fewer make every form of possession or personal use illegal. The WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025 counted 42 countries with a ban on electronic nicotine delivery system sales as of 2024. 

Singapore and the Maldives go much further, while Mexico and Kazakhstan mainly target imports and commercial activity. Laws may cover nicotine vapes, nicotine-free products or both. 

This guide was checked on 1 August 2026 and provides general information, not legal advice.

Key Takeaway

• WHO counted 42 countries banning ENDS sales as of 2024. The current 2026 answer remains “more than 40” because newer laws are not yet captured in one globally reconciled dataset.

• A sales ban does not automatically make owning or privately using a vape illegal.

• Singapore, the Maldives, Vietnam, Laos and Kyrgyzstan have particularly wide restrictions.

• The UK has banned single-use vapes, not compliant reusable products.

• Check destination, transit-country, customs and airline rules before packing any vape.

How Many Countries Have Banned Vapes?

More than 40 countries prohibit vape sales. The number banning possession and personal use is considerably smaller.

WHO’s consistent 2024 dataset recorded 42 sales bans and 91 countries regulating ENDS without banning all sales. A separate May 2025 Global Policy Scan found 46 sales or distribution bans, using a slightly different method.

Later changes complicated the count. Uzbekistan’s wider ban took effect in 2026. Bangladesh removed newly adopted e-cigarette restrictions from its amended law in April 2026, while a court stopped Nepal’s attempted import and sales ban in June 2025.

Why Do Published Lists Give Different Numbers?

A list may count an adopted law before it takes effect or include territories such as Hong Kong and Macao. “Ban” itself may mean:

• No retail sales, although private possession remains lawful.

• Nicotine-product restrictions that exclude nicotine-free devices.

• Pharmacy-only or approval-based access.

• A regional rule rather than national law.

• A disposable, flavour or public-place restriction.

For 2026, more than 40 is therefore more defensible than a single exact total.

What Does It Mean When a Country Bans Vapes?

Unofficial availability proves nothing. Importing a vape can also be illegal even when private use is not.

Which Countries Have Banned the Sale of Vapes in 2026?

“Not expressly banned” below means no general personal-possession offence was confirmed. Public-use restrictions may still apply.

Europe and Central Asia

Norway’s approval system concerns nicotine-containing products, not every nicotine-free device.

South, Southeast and East Asia

Pacific Island Countries

The Cook Islands reports a narrow allowance for visitors over 21: one device and up to 30ml of e-liquid, taken away on departure. Confirm it with customs.

The Americas

Mexico’s January 2026 Reform bans commercial activity and promotion but exempts unrelated personal possession and use. Import rules remain separate.

Africa and the Middle East

Countries Where Travellers Should Not Bring a Vape

Singapore

Singapore prohibits importing, buying, possessing and using vaporisers, including for visitors. Government Guidance covers devices, components and e-liquids. Enforcement strengthened in 2026.

The Maldives

The Maldives bans importation, manufacture, sale, distribution, possession and use for all ages, including tourists. This Vape Prohibition is separate from its generational tobacco rules.

Thailand

Thailand bans importation and sale. An unlawfully imported product can lead to possession enforcement, while public vaping may create a separate offence. Government Guidance gives tourists no personal-use exemption.

Vietnam

Vietnam bans production, importation, sale, storage, transport and use. Do not carry devices, pods or e-liquids through customs.

Lao PDR

Lao PDR prohibits production, import, export, transport, trade and consumption.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan bans the importation, circulation and use of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes.

What About Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan?

These are listed separately because they are jurisdictions rather than independent countries.

Hong Kong: Importation, manufacture, sale and commercial possession are prohibited. Since 30 April 2026, public possession of specified products such as e-liquid and capsules is also an offence. The provision distinguishes these substances from the device. Visitors cannot import them, although qualifying airside transit is exempt. See Department of Health Guidance.

Taiwan: Passengers cannot import e-cigarettes or e-liquids. Some transit passengers must declare and deposit them for collection on departure. Taiwan Customs explains this procedure.

Macao: Manufacture, distribution, sale, import and export are prohibited. A wider possession and consumption ban remained a proposal in 2026.

Countries That Have Only Banned Disposable Vapes

These countries have not prohibited every reusable vape.

These product bans do not make every reusable vape illegal.

Is Australia’s Pharmacy Model a Vape Ban?

No. Ordinary retail sales, disposables and personal importation are prohibited, but eligible therapeutic products remain available through participating pharmacies. Australian Government Guidance supports calling this highly restricted, not a total ban.

Are Vapes Banned in the UK?

No. Selling or supplying single-use vapes became illegal on 1 June 2025, including products without nicotine. The GOV.UK Guidance confirms that reusable products can still be sold.

Adults can still buy compliant Reusable Vapes. Nicotine products remain subject to notification, a 2ml tank or pod limit, a 10ml refill-bottle limit, and 20mg/ml maximum strength. See current TPD-Compliant Vapes.

The ban targets supply, not adult possession of a compliant reusable vape.

Can You Take a Vape Abroad?

Use this five-step check before travelling:

1. Check the destination country’s customs website.

2. Check every transit country, especially if you will pass immigration or reclaim baggage.

3. Confirm whether personal import is treated differently from local retail sale.

4. Read the airline’s battery and vaping-product rules.

5. Check where vaping is prohibited after arrival.

Airline permission does not override customs law. Where import is allowed, IATA Guidance requires vapes in hand luggage, not checked baggage. Do not use or charge them in flight. Airlines may be stricter.

Why Can Vapes Still Be Found in Countries That Ban Them?

Products may enter through illicit imports, come from overseas websites, or be sold unlawfully. Do not treat a shop, social post, hotel employee or taxi driver as a legal source.

Conclusion

More than 40 countries ban vape sales, but the scope differs sharply. Some target commercial supply; others also prohibit importation, possession and use. Singapore, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Kyrgyzstan demand particular caution.

The UK bans single-use products, not all vaping. Before any trip, check current government, customs, transit-country and airline guidance rather than relying on an old country list.

FAQs

How Many Countries Have Banned Vaping?

More than 40 ban sales. WHO’s latest comparable dataset counted 42 countries as of 2024, while a separate May 2025 scan counted 46 sales or distribution bans.

Which Countries Ban Both Possession and Use?

Singapore, the Maldives and Palau clearly prohibit both. Nauru prohibits possession, while Vietnam, Laos and Kyrgyzstan have broad rules covering use and movement of products.

Can I Take a Vape Abroad for Personal Use?

Only if the destination and every relevant transit jurisdiction permit it. A personal-use intention does not create an automatic customs exemption.

Can Airport Customs Confiscate a Vape?

Yes. Customs can seize a prohibited or undeclared vape, and local law may also allow fines or prosecution.

Are Nicotine-Free Vapes Included in International Bans?

Sometimes. Singapore, the UK single-use ban, and several wider product laws cover nicotine-free products too. Other countries, including Norway, treat nicotine-containing products differently.

Are Vapes Banned in Europe?

There is no Europe-wide ban. Most European countries regulate vapes, while a smaller group bans sales of nicotine products. Belgium and France ban disposable formats rather than every vape.

Is Vaping Illegal in Thailand?

Importation and sale are prohibited. Possession of an unlawfully imported device can lead to enforcement, so tourists should not take a vape into Thailand.

Can Tourists Bring Vapes Into Singapore?

No. The importation, purchase, possession, and use of vaporisers are prohibited for visitors as well as residents.

Are Vapes Banned in Dubai?

No. The UAE regulates compliant vaping products rather than banning them completely. Imports must meet standards and may require approval, while use is restricted in designated public places.

Are Reusable Vapes Legal in the UK?

Yes. Compliant rechargeable and refillable vapes remain legal for adults. The June 2025 ban applies to single-use products.

Which Countries Should You Avoid Taking a Vape To?

At minimum, do not take one to Singapore, the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Kyrgyzstan, Palau or Taiwan. Hong Kong also prohibits incoming travellers from importing alternative smoking products.