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Travelling with a Vape to Thailand from the UK: Is It Legal or Banned?

October 27, 2025

Planning a trip to exotic Thailand and wondering what to do with your vape? Our short guide explains what you can and cannot carry and offers practical alternatives so you can travel without the hassle.

Thailand is a favourite with UK holidaymakers, but its rules on ecigarettes are very different to the UK. The safest approach is simple: leave your vape, eliquid and accessories at home for this destination, and plan ahead with legal alternatives for travel days.

Key takeaways

Ecigarettes are illegal in Thailand. You could be fined or imprisoned for carrying or using them.
Thailand bans the import and sale of ecigarettes and liquids.
Do not pack vapes or eliquids for flights to Thailand or on itineraries that transit a Thai airport.
For nicotine while in Thailand, use licensed Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) such as gum or lozenges, available in pharmacies.
Rules for nicotine pouches are unclear. Do not assume they are permitted in Thailand.

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Is vaping legal in Thailand?

No. The UK Government’s travel advice states that ecigarettes are illegal in Thailand and that you could be fined or imprisoned for carrying or using them. See the FCDO page for Smoking and ecigarette bans. Thailand also prohibits both the import and the sale of ecigarettes and liquids under national regulations introduced in 2014 and 2015. See the Ministry of Commerce notification on import and the Consumer Protection Board order on sale, summarised at TobaccoControlLaws.org.

What should UK travellers do?

Do not bring vape kits, tanks, pods, eliquids or any parts and accessories to Thailand. Do not buy them locally. If asked by security or police, cooperate and follow instructions. If your airline itinerary includes a stop in Bangkok, Phuket or another Thai airport, do not carry vape gear on those legs, even if you do not plan to leave the terminal. Screening can occur during connections and items can be confiscated. See FCDO guidance.

Alternatives when you cannot vape

If you rely on nicotine and cannot vape during your trip, consider licensed Nicotine Replacement Therapy such (NRT) as gum or lozenges, which are legal to buy and use in Thailand and sold in pharmacies. See an overview from the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction. If you prefer pouches on UK flights or during nonThai legs, you can find Nicotine Pouches and Nicotine Gum here at Vapestore. However, do not assume nicotine pouches are permitted inside Thailand. The legal position is reported as unclear and may be treated as banned; see GSTHR notes. Plan to rely on NRT while in the country.

What about bringing a vape just for the flight?

Avoid this. Even if you never intend to use it, carrying a device or eliquid on an itinerary to or through Thailand can cause problems at screening. If your route changes due to delays or rerouting, you could find yourself in a Thai terminal with prohibited items. For this destination, it is safest not to travel with vape gear at all. If you use pouches on the UK leg of your journey, be sure to dispose of them before entering Thailand and follow airline and crew instructions at all times.

If plans change at the last minute

If your original routing did not include Thailand but a rebooking adds a Thai connection, consider storing or disposing of any vape kit before boarding that sector. Do not attempt to mail items to yourself in Thailand. If unsure, speak to your airline for advice on options before you travel.

Quick checklist for Thailand trips

Do not pack any vape devices, pods, tanks, eliquids or spare cells
Prepare NRT such as nicotine gum or lozenges for use in Thailand
If you use pouches on UK legs only, keep them sealed and dispose of them before arrival in Thailand
Check your itinerary for any Thai connections and plan accordingly
Carry your passport as proof of age when purchasing NRT in pharmacies

Conclusion

Thailand treats ecigarettes very differently to the UK. To avoid fines, confiscation or worse, do not travel with vape devices or eliquids and rely on legal nicotine replacement while you are there. If you want general tips on flying with vape gear to other destinations, read our main guide Can You Take Vapes on a Plane? Your Complete 2025 Vapers’ Travel Guide. For help planning legal alternatives for your trip, our Customer Services Team is happy to help.

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FAQs

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Is vaping legal in Thailand?

No. Ecigarettes are illegal and you could be fined or imprisoned for carrying or using them. See FCDO safety and security advice.

Can I bring a vape or eliquid in my luggage to Thailand?

No. Thailand bans both the import and sale of ecigarettes and liquids. Do not pack devices, liquids or spare batteries for this destination.

What if I am only transiting through Bangkok or Phuket?

Do not carry vape gear if your itinerary includes a Thai airport. Screening can occur during transfers and items may be confiscated. Follow airline and FCDO guidance

Are nicotine pouches allowed in Thailand?

The legal position for pouches is unclear and may be treated as banned. Do not assume they are permitted. Plan to use licensed NRT while in Thailand.

What should I use instead of a vape while I am there?

Consider licensed nicotine gum or lozenges, which are sold in Thai pharmacies. For UK legs or other destinations, you can also use nicotine pouches. Follow airline and local rules.

Are standalone batteries or power banks allowed if they are not for vaping?

Standalone lithium batteries and power banks are not generally banned in Thailand. If your itinerary involves Thailand, avoid carrying vape-specific batteries or parts. Airlines require batteries in carry-on only; always follow your airline’s rules and local law.

Travelling with a Vape to Thailand from the UK: Is It Legal or Banned?

Key takeaways