Vaping On Holiday In The UK In 2024: Everything You Need To Know
In our vape travel series we've covered the vaping rules for some of the most popular destinations for jet-setting Brits, helping people prepare for their next holiday and avoid vape-related issues. For many UK vapers however, domestic holidays have never been more popular, especially since COVID-19 forced all of us to look a little closer to home for some rest and relaxation.
In this guide we will review the current state of UK vaping laws, as well as explore key information for vapers planning their next great British getaway.
What Are The Vaping Laws In The UK?
Vaping laws in the UK have remained largely unchanged since first being established, and are guided by TPD/TRPR regulations first laid out in 2016/17 - under these rules you must be 18 years of age or above to buy and use vaping products, and may only use them in open public spaces, or on private property indoors unless otherwise specified by the owner of the property or unless publicly signposted. Remember - if the sign says no smoking, it means no vaping either.
The UK is one of the most progressive countries in the world when it comes to vaping. Even if you are from here however, many Brits admit they don't have the best understanding of the laws around vaping and the regulations that help keep products safe for consumption.
While you are highly unlikely to be quizzed about using any vaping product while travelling around Britain, there are rules in place that you should try your best to follow, and that includes restrictions applied to your vape kit and e-liquid. Under current regulations, the most important rules for vaping in the UK are:
- You must be 18 years of age or older to legally buy and use vaping products containing nicotine.
- Vaping in indoor public spaces like pubs/bars, restaurants, music venues etc is not allowed unless specified by the owner of the premises.
- Vaping on public transport including taxis, buses and trains is illegal and can land you with fines if caught - this includes train platforms even if open-air and any indoor train/bus stations.
- You can vape freely in any outdoor space, unless otherwise signposted as below - no smoking areas apply to vapers too in the UK unless special exceptions have been made clear.
- Vape tanks and pods must only contain a maximum volume of 2ml of e-liquid.
- All vaping products must be submitted to the MHRA for licencing before sale, if you spot a device or vape liquid that does not comply with the above restrictions then it is illegal and its safety is impossible to confirm.
- In the UK you cannot recycle vape liquid bottles as they have contained nicotine which also cannot be washed down drains by law. this is the same for discarded vape pods. Vape waste should be put into general waste bins only, and batteries should only ever be disposed of in battery bins which can often be found at supermarkets on your travels.
You should also take note of vaping etiquette while travelling the UK - just because it is legal to vape in a given area, does not mean you should. Take note of children, and indeed any other people around you who may not appreciate vapour being blown in their faces. Treat others as you would yourself, if there are children or lots of other people around, try to vape in a more secluded spot.
With youth access being a major issue in the UK right now, vaping carries more taboo than it has previously - keep this in mind when around families and under-18s. Try to avoid being a part of the problem and practice mindful vaping wherever possible.
Can You Vape And Drive In The UK?
It is technically legal to vape whilst driving in the UK, however you should take note that this is at the discretion of any officers who may have their eye on you as you travel. If you are using a device that produces large vapour clouds or otherwise impair your ability to be in control of the vehicle, you may be penalised for driving without due care and attention - this can result in fines and points on your licence if not worse depending on the context of the situation.
If you are looking to take your next holiday in the UK, it is very likely that you will be making a road trip to your destination. While it is legal to vape and drive in the UK, it is frowned upon and could land you in trouble if you are not mindful.
The letter of the law states that you must be driving with due care and attention at all times, and avoiding anything that prevents this such as using a mobile phone, smoking, vaping, drinking and eating. The decision as to whether you are driving safely will be made by the officer who spots you - it is entirely at their discretion.
With this in mind some simple rules to follow while vaping and driving include:
- Always vape with the windows down to avoid obstructing your view with vapour.
- Use smaller vape kits at lower power settings to avoid producing large clouds of vapour - definitely avoid sub-ohm vape kits and HVG e-liquids.
- It is illegal to vape in the car if children are present.
- Do not combine vaping while driving with any other action such as drinking or vaping - ensure you have total control of the vehicle at all times with at least one hand on the wheel.
- Don't make a scene - if you are next to a police vehicle on the roads, don't start bowing obnoxious clouds out of the window or inside the vehicle - you will be asking for trouble.
- Try to avoid vaping behind the wheel at all, and make use of service stations and rest areas on longer drives when cravings arise, or consider alternative products like nicotine pouches, patches, or gum.
Can You Vape In UK Airports?
The short answer is no, you cannot vape while inside any UK airports, however smoking/vaping areas are provided throughout most major travel hubs outside terminals before and after security. You can bring vapes with you through security in most cases provided you carry batteries in hand luggage only and place e-liquids in your 100ml liquid allowance bag.
If you are travelling the length of the country for a UK holiday, you may choose to take an internal flight. If you are planning on doing so, it is well worth being aware of the most common airline policies on vaping to avoid any trouble when flying even a short distance. We have covered this in detail in our guide to bringing vapes on planes, but we will outline some key rules below:
| Airline | Vaping Policy |
|---|---|
| British Airways | You are not allowed to take vapes in your checked baggage in the hold, you must carry them in your hand luggage. You must not vape on board under any circumstances. |
| EasyJet | You can take vapes in your hand luggage and a maximum of two spare batteries, but you cannot use them on the plane. |
| Ryanair | You are allowed to bring your vape on board but you must not vape, or use any other form of cigarette on board. |
| Aer Lingus | You are allowed to take an e-cigarette on board but it must be in your hand luggage and you must not use it at any point. You are only allowed up to four vape devices per person. |
| Airport | Vaping Policy |
|---|---|
| Gatwick | Smoking e-cigarettes is not permitted anywhere inside both North and South Terminals. Designated smoking areas are clearly marked outside both terminals. |
| Heathrow | Prohibited use of e-cigarettes inside the terminal buildings. There are dedicated areas for smoking/vaping outside the terminal buildings. |
| Stansted | Use of e-cigarettes has not been permitted indoors since August 2014. |
| Luton | E-cigarettes cannot be used anywhere apart from the smoking area outside the terminal, located outside the front entrance. |
| Manchester | No use of e-cigarettes allowed inside the terminal. |
| Birmingham | Treated in the same way as regular cigarettes in the terminal, meaning they can only be smoked in the outside smoking facility. |
| Liverpool John Lennon | E-cigarettes can only be used in outdoor smoking areas. |
| Cardiff | No use of electronic cigarettes is permitted inside the terminal. They can only be used in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal next to Gate 2. |
| Belfast | E-cigarettes can only be used in the designated smoking areas outside the terminal. |
What The Disposable Vape Ban Means For Your Next UK Holiday
Disposable vapes were set to be banned by 2025 in the UK under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill created by Rishi Sunak's Conservative party. Since the dissolving of parliament and Labour's general election victory
As the disposable vape ban is on hold for England following the snap general election, there are currently no confirmed plans to restrict vaping products in England - this means for the time being you can take single use vapes wherever you please in the UK.
Scotland however have agreed to enforce a ban on disposables by April 1st 2025, so if you are planning a trip up North next year, take note that you may not be able to bring them with you. In the king's speech it was revealed that the new Labour government will be looking into vape restrictions once again soon, however for now we have no solid plans to comment on.
Best practice is to keep an eye on the news and our blogs for updates in this subject to ensure you stay ahead of the regulations and can tour the UK as a vaper in peace.
Where To Buy Vapes For Your Next UK Holiday
The best part about being a vaper travelling in the UK is that there have never been so many choices when it comes to buying vaping products on-the-go. There are thousands of vape stores across the country ranging from independent specialists to major chains, and vaping products can be purchased from almost every convenience retailer and supermarket wherever they can be found.
The UK has infinite options when it comes to buying e-liquids and vape kits for your next domestic holiday. Almost every supermarket offers a selection of vapes alongside the usual tobacco offerings, and convenience retailers have healthy supplies too.
There are myriad specialist vape stores too located in almost every major settlement you could want to visit, with even small villages in the countryside having some vaping products available to buy in most cases. So no matter your UK destination, you will not struggle to top-up your vape supplies while on the road.
The best bet of course if to stock up before you set off, by shopping online from stores just like our own EDGE Vaping online store! If you do find yourself caught short while out and about however, you can even find EDGE products in thousands of stores UK-wide, including major supermarkets The Co-Op, Morrison's, Sainsbury's and Nisa.
The Best UK Destinations For Travelling Vapers
While vaping is permitted anywhere in the UK, there are some destinations that will guarantee not only an exciting domestic holiday but a healthy supply of vape-friendly areas and retailers for topping-up. Some of the best include London, Brighton, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Liverpool, Leeds and Bristol.
Wherever you head to in the UK, you will be greeted by unique peoples, cultures, exciting adventures and amazing sights, sounds, tastes and smells! As a vaper Great Britain is your oyster with plenty of vape-friendly areas and retailers ready to resupply you on-the-go.
We explore our top ten travel-vaping destinations below:
| UK Holiday Destination | Why We Recommend It |
|---|---|
| London | London is a melting pot of cultures inlcuding a thriving vaping community. There are Trendy vape bars and thousands of vape stores throughout the city alongside the multitude of sights to see and adventures to be had. Wander the winding streets and take in the capital in all it's glory with your vape in hand. |
| Brighton | On the sunny South Coast of England, Brighton's iconic seafront and laid-back ethos make it a perfect destination for travelling vapers to explore. Travel the quirky streets and hidden corners and seek out the unique vape cafes that allow you to enjoy a luxury coffee alongside your favourite vape liquid. |
| Edinburgh | Edinburgh has plenty to offer travellers, with centuries-old architecture and a thriving vape culture. Vapers will find a variety of vape lounges and stores across the city, each offering a distinct atmosphere and selections of products. Wander the green spaces of Holyrood Park or explore the historic Edinburgh Castle with your vape in-tow. |
| Glasgow | A Scottish icon known for its friendly locals and vibrant nightlife, Glasgow offers plenty of great experiences for vapers looking to explore. With a growing range of vape-friendly establishments including some clubs and bars, the city has a growing community of vapers and offers boundless adventures for those looking to holiday a little closer to home. |
| Birmingham | Birmingham has plenty to offer visitors, but is particularly well equipped for vapers, with an unprecedented number of stores including wholsalers open to the public; you could pick up a bulk purchase of your favourite vaping products while exploring the famous Bullring shopping hub and taking in some of the unique Brummy culture. |
| Manchester | The home of EDGE Vaping and unofficial capital of the North, Manchester has limitless opportunities for travelling vapers. Thousands of vape retailers can be found in our many boroughs, and we have hundreds of green spaces, parks, amazing sights and sounds which can all be enjoyed with your vape in-hand. Not to mention we're friendly bunch, so don't be surprised if you end up having several conversations with random passers-by as you explore our blend of industrial heritage and bustling urban culture. |
| Cardiff | Cardiff, the capital of Wales, where you'll find a thriving vape community eager to welcome visitors. Explore the city's beautiful arcades and stumble upon hidden vape gems offering unique products for you to enjoy. Take a walk around Cardiff Bay or visit the historic Cardiff Castle while indulging in your favourite vape juice, or take in the vibrant nightlife - we recommend Tiny Rebel for an unbeatable selection of craft IPA and beyond. |
| Liverpool | Liverpool boasts a dynamic vape culture that appeals to locals and tourists alike. Dive into the city's diverse vape scene, from vape lounges with live music to vape shops that cater to all preferences. Stroll along the iconic Albert Dock or visit the Baltic Triangle and soak in the city's lively atmosphere. |
| Leeds | A little-known haven for vapers, Leeds actually has the most vape stores per square mile in the UK! Renowned for its bustling markets and vibrant nightlife, Leeds offers a welcoming environment for vapers to explore and enjoy a mix of traditional vape stores and modern vape bars that cater to vapers of all backgrounds. Explore the historic Kirkgate Market or unwind in the scenic Roundhay Park before drinking in the rich nightlife, just watch out for staggering students after dark! |
| Bristol | Bristol is famous for its vibrant street culture and art scene, but has carved out a niche for vapers too. Vape-friendly cafes and quirky vape shops can be found throughout this eclectic city, providing a welcoming environment for vapers to relax. Explore the iconic Banksy artworks or explore Bristols' harbour and many green spaces with your favourite vape. |
UK Travel-Vaping FAQs
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 learn the rules around vaping in other countries too. If you have general questions about taking vapes on holiday you can check out our comprehensive travel guide here, or explore our essential pre-flight tips for travelling vapers.