Vaping In Turkey In 2025: Everything You Need To Know
Turkey is one of the most popular destinations for sun-seeking brits, and for good reason! Turkey has amazing sights, food, culture and people - but what about vaping? In this blog we will explore the rules around vaping in Turkey so you can enjoy your next holiday with confidence that you aren't going to face any issues!
Is It Legal To Vape In Turkey?
Vaping in Turkey is permitted wherever smoking is also allowed, however the sale of vaping products is not. This means you should ensure you bring enough vape gear to last the duration of your stay, but you must take care not to exceed the import restrictions on what is classed as "personal use" - one device, spare pods or refil bottles no greater than 30ml in volume, or up to 10 disposable vapes per person.
Turkey has a slightly more complex approach to vaping than some other popular holiday destintions like Spain or France. While the use of vaping products is legal in Turkey, there are restrictions on what you can bring with you, not to mention you will find it almost impossible to buy any replacement vapes while on your holiday there.
One of the biggest differences to note between Turkey and the UK is that you must be 19 years old to vape, so if you are 18 and use vaping products, you may need to abstain while travelling in Turkey.
According to globaltobacco control.org, Turkey classes electronic cigarettes and e-liquids as tobacco products, which means all restrictions that apply to smoking, apply to vaping - so follow these rules when you arrive and you shouldn't land yourself in any hot water. This includes adhering to clean air policies which restrict smoking and vaping in enclosed public spaces such as public transport or restaurants.
Tobaccocontrollaws.org also advises that the importation of tobacco products that are specifically “consumed by being heated or being lit, other than cigarettes, shredded tobacco products for hand-rolled cigarettes, tobacco products for use in pipes, tobacco products for use in hookahs, cigars, and cigarillos, and all products that are used to imitate tobacco products regardless of their nicotine content including electronic cigarettes and electronic hookahs as well as electronic devices, apparatus, spare parts, and solutions used in the consumption of these products” is banned.
Despite this ban on importation, there is an exception to the rules that tourists can take advantage of. Turkey does permit a certain amount of personal vaping products to be brought into the country so long as they do not exceed the given quantities for "personal use":
- one vape battery/device per person
- replacement vape cartidges/pods/refill bottles up to a total of 30ml in volume per person
- no more than 10 disposable vape units per person
- restrictions apply to both nicotine-containing and nicotine-free vaping products
Can I Bring Disposable Vapes To Turkey?
You can bring up to 10 disposable vapes per person to Turkey without breaching their laws on what is classed as an amount of vaping products intended for 'personal use'. Bringing more devices that this may result in confiscations or fines so pack accordingly before you set off!
The Turkish government have laid out laws permitting travellers to bring up to 10 disposable vape units per person into the country. This is considered an acceptable amount for personal use.
Remember to declare disposable and indeed any other vaping products to customs upon your arrival, so long as you do not exceed personal amounts you will avoid any trouble.
Can You Vape In Turkish Airports?
Turkish airports enforce similar policies to the vast majority of airlines throughout Europe - vaping in the terminal buildings is prohibited, however designated smoking areas can be utilised for vaping. Istabul Airport advises that they have 13 smoking terraces available for use, with 10 located on the international side, 3 on the domestic side, and a further 6 smoking balconies open to passengers.
There are no major differences between restrictions at Turkish airports and UK airports. Vaping indoors in any enclosed public space is not allowed. Instead you must locate one of the designated smoking areas if you fancy a quick hit.
These areas are located throughout Istanbul Airport both before and after security, giving you plenty of options once you land. These smoking/vaping areas can be found:
- Arrivals floor - near the 8th exit gate
- Departures floor - next to check-in area A
- Departures floor - next to check-in area S
- Domestic - food court area entrance
- Domestic - food court area
- Domestic - near flight gate G11
- Domestic - across baggage claim belt 1
- International - next to A-B area gourmet trilogy
- International - next to flight gate A11
- International - next to flight gate B18
- International - flight gate C1, next to Napzone
- International - next to flight gate D16
- International - next to flight gate F13
- International - across baggae claim belt 25
- Transfer - next to transfer desks
- Fresh Air Terrace - international, across flight gate B1
- Fresh Air Terrace - international, across flight gate F8
Vape Regulations in Turkey
Despite being a part of the EU, Turkey takes a unique approach to vape regulation compared to nations who follow TPD guidelines like the UK, Spain or France. The use of e-cigarettes is permitted, however the sale and importation of vape products is not. The Turkish governemnt treats vaping products as tobacco products, meaning all the same restrictions on where and when they can be used are identical. Restrictions apply to vapes regardless of their nicotine content including 0mg products. You must also be 19 years of age to vape while in Turkey.
Turkey has essentially banned the sale of e-cigarettes, e-liquids and any related vaping products under Presidential Decree No 2149 issued 24 Feb 2020. We say essentially as there is technically an application process for retailers to attempt to get a licence to sell vapes, however as of 2024 none have been approved.
They have also enacted a ban on the importation of vaping products, however there is an allowance for "personal use" meaning travellers can bring some essential vape gear with them on holiday. The personal importation allowance permits:
- one vaping device/battery per person
- replacement cartridges and bottles but not totalling more than 30ml in volume per person
- no more than 10 single-use vapes like Elf Bars per person.
- Always carry vapes in hand-luggage and be ready to declare them to customs on arrival in the country
Some travel vapers on Reddit have reported in their personal experience that exceptions have been made for them whe travelling with mroe than the designated 30ml e-liquid limit, claiming that so long as it is still clearly for personal use, security have not stopped them while carrying more than the limit. Despite this we always recommend sticking to the given rules when travelling to Turkey to stand the best chance of a hassle-free trip.
Beyond importation allowances, the general restrictions for vaping while in Turkey under Law No 4207, Article 2(1) are:
- vapers must be 19 years of age or above
- vaping is only permitted in open areas or on private property (which can include some hotel rooms), vaping in enclosed public spaces is prohibited including public transport and inisde businesses or buildings
- clean air zones are enforced in Turkey, meaning anywhere you see a no-smoking sign also applies to your e-cigarette even if not clearly stated - in Turkey, vapes are classed as tobacco products so all the same rules apply as verified by TripAdvisor
- in Turkey, vapes are classed as tobacco products so all the same rules apply, as verified by TripAdvisor users
Where Can You Buy Vapes In Turkey?
Unfortunately for travelling vapers, you won't be able to buy any replacement vape kits or e-liquids once you arrive in Turkey. As of 2024, no vaping products have had a licence approved for sale, meaning they are essentially banned from retail locations. Plan ahead to get around this, and bring your vape gear with you.
Unfortunately for travelling vapers, Turkey is not the most accommodating when it comes to vape retail. This means planning ahead is essential if you intend to bring your vapes with you, ensuring you have enough supplies to last the duration of your stay, without breaching the personal use allowances dictated in Turkish law.
With these allowances only permitting up to 30ml of spare e-liquid per person, heavy vapers may struggle to cope if staying for a week or more. If you are worried this might apply to you, there are a few tactics to consider.
If you haven't already tried nic salt vape liquids, they could give you the edge while holidaying in Turkey. Despite being deceptively smooth, they deliver an intense and satisfying nicotine hit that is designed to keep cravings at bay for longer. In this way, you might be able to make that 30ml personal limit stretch just far enough to keep you satisfied for the duration of your stay.
While the rules are unlikely to change anytime soon, the Turkish Vapers Alliance have joined the World Vapers Alliance, in an attempt to lobby for reduced restrictions to encourage more access to vapes as a method of tobacco harm reduction. This means one day you may be able to buy vaping products while holidaying there, but as of 2024 they remain unavailable.
While all available information about vape retail in Turkey states that no licences have been granted for the sale of vaping products, personal accounts on forums suggest there are some locations where you might be able to pick up an emergency holiday vape top-up. We cannot verify the legitimacy of these businesses however in a pinch they could be a life-saver for a travelling vaper caught short mid-trip.
This handful of locations all appear be found in Istanbul, and are in the following locations:
- Super Vape Shop 2 - Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa, metrobüs durağı, 1995. Sk., 34550 Esenyurt/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Vape Turkey IQos Terea Satış Merkezi - Levent, Karanfil Sokağı No:6, 34330 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Beşiktaş vape shop - Sinanpaşa, Hasfırın Cd. İş merkezi, no:10, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Vepe Shop orijinal - Asmalı Mescit, Tütüncü Çk. No2, 34440 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
- Elektronik Sigara Market - H. Rıfat Paşa Mah. Yüzer Havuz Sok. Perpa Ticaret Mrk. A Blok K:9 34384 Istanbul Turkey
Where Can You Vape in Turkey?
Vaping in Turkey is allowed in plenty of places, they operate very similar rules to the UK in that you can vape in most open spaces and on private property, some hotel rooms in Turkey even state that smoking rooms are available in which you may also vape. Turkey treats vapes the exact same as tobacco products, so if you see a no-smoking sign, that applies to your e-cigarette also. The usual restrictions apply to public transport, and any enclosed public spaces/buildings/busninesses that enforce a no-smoking policy.
Following the same etiquette in Turkey as you would in the UK when it comes to vaping is the best practice to avoid any upset on your travels. Turkey classifies vaping products as tobacco products, which means any smoking restrictions in place apply to vaping too.
Turkey enforces clean air zones meaning both smoking and vaping are banned in a number of places, but all should be clearly signposted - even if you need to brush-up on your Turkish, the symbols should be very obvious and easy to spot. Fines are the most common punishment for ignoring no-smoking/vaping signs, so don't take the chance or your holiday might end up significantly over budget.
Vaping is not permitted in the following locations in Turkey:
- Official Government buildings
- Enclosed public places such as hospitals, restaurants, schools and other educational buildings.
- Childrens' parks or play areas. You must be far enough away from these if you want to use your e-cigarette
- Any form of public transport such as buses, trams or trains. The same rules apply to taxis.
Vaping is allowed in the following locations in Turkey:
- Open public spaces or streets unless signposted
- Private property
- Hotel rooms that also allow smoking
- Designated smoking areas
Other Blogs In Our Travel Series
Still deciding where to go on your next holiday? we've covered lots of the most popular destinations for UK holidaymakers in our travel blog series, so be sure to check them out if you want to lear the rules around vaping in other countries too. If you have general questions about taking vapes on holiday you can chek out our comprehensive travel guide here, or explore our essential pre-flight tips for travelling vapers.