Popular holiday destinations where vaping can lead to serious fines or jail time
The damaging phenomenon of vaping might be a major business in the Western world, but there are some places abroad that smokers really don’t want to go puffing.
Such is the lawful dislike of vapes across several popular destinations, travellers caught in the act could be fined and even imprisoned for their actions.
While we are still learning about the long-term effects of vaping, a number of alarming side effects have already come to light.
According to the Office for National Statistics, it's estimated that around 5.4 million British adults vape every day or occasionally, compared to 4.9 million smokers.
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But a spokesperson for Vape Ease UK has warned prospective British holidaymakers to be conscious of 'shockingly strict' rules when heading away for a bit of sunshine.
"When in doubt, leave your vape behind," they said, per The Mirror.
But where are these hotspots and what exactly do you need to know about their laws before choosing your next getaway?
India
Introduced in 2019, the Indian vaping ban was put into effect via the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), which sounds quite serious, right?
This eliminated everything in the standard production line, including sales, importation, exportation, storage, and advertising.
Refillable and disposable vapes are a complete no-no, as are heat-not-burn (HnB) products and E-hookahs. Traditional tobacco products are not affected.
First-time guilty parties can face up to one year in jail, a £1,000 fine, or both. Any subsequent violations of India's ban would see the penalty increased.
The World Health Organization (WHO) 'congratulated' the country on the ban, calling it a 'strong and definitive step to protect its citizens, especially the youth and children, from the increasing risk of nicotine-addiction'.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Although vaping is technically legal in the UAE, those who choose to do so must adhere to the standards implemented by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA).
You must be at least 18 years old to get your hands on a vape, and there are specific areas where you're allowed to blow your raspberry-flavoured plumes.
Should visitors not follow the rules, they could be faced with a potential minimum jail term of one year and fines reportedly ranging between £20,000 and £200,000.
That one mistake could leave you bankrupt on these shores.
Thailand
Then there's Thai territory, which hasn't accepted any form of e-cigarette for over a decade now.
The ban was introduced in 2014 under Thailand's Consumer Protection Act, which was designed to protect citizens from unsafe products.
Anybody who happens to sidestep the Southeast Asian country's laws might be placed in handcuffs and face up to 10 years in the clink, with fines said to start around £500 too.
Hong Kong
Vapers had better flock to Hong Kong while they can, because the lax guidelines around the use of these colourful sticks is changing this year, meaning you could get stung by hefty fines in the not-so-distant future.
As things stand, only state imports, manufacturing, and the sale of vapes is illegal.
However, according to the Tobacco and Alcohol Control Office, from 30 April 'no person may possess a specified alternative smoking product in a public place'.
Japan
Interestingly, the Japanese government classifies nicotine e-liquids as medicinal products under Japan’s Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, with tourists allowed to bring 120ml of the filler materials with them.
Nicotine-less vapes, meanwhile, face no restrictions at all, yet you must still abide by the designated smoking zones put in place. Risking it could incur huge fines and jail sentences.
Singapore
Lastly, the stunning country of Singapore is another example of zero toleration, having banned vaping since 2018. That goes for importing, selling, and using, with fines starting from S$500 (£370) for offenders under 18 and S$700 (£410) for adults.
The WHO called the move a 'turning point' that will 'influence the next decade of global tobacco and drug policy'.
Dan Seddon