Is Vaping Banned in Egypt?
A clear UK guide to whether vaping is banned in Egypt, the recent law change and what to pack.
The short answer
No. Vaping is legal in Egypt since the import ban was lifted in 2022.
The catch
The market is new, so choice is limited.
The advice
Bring enough supplies for the whole trip.
Is vaping banned in Egypt?
No, vaping is not banned in Egypt anymore, though that is a recent change. Egypt lifted its import ban in 2022, so vaping is now legal and regulated for adults, though the market is still developing, choice is limited, while indoor and transport use is restricted. Bring enough supplies for your trip.
It helps to know that Egypt used to ban vape imports, though that changed in 2022, with the products now legal and sold through licensed shops. The products are allowed for adults, while public use follows smoking style rules. This page explains the law, what to pack and where you can vape, so always check the latest official advice before you travel.
Let us look at the law, what to pack and where to vape.
Egypt is a recent convert on vaping, having moved from a firm import ban to a regulated market in 2022. For a UK traveller that is good news, though the newness of the market is the main thing to plan around.
The legal position
Vaping is legal and regulated in Egypt now. Egypt lifted its ban on importing and trading e-cigarettes in 2022, so vaping is legal for adults, with licensed retailers selling products that meet local standards, available in major cities and tourist areas, so the market is open but still maturing.
- Legal since 2022: the old import and trade ban was lifted.
- Adults only: the legal age is eighteen, as with smoking.
- Licensed retailers: buy from proper shops, not street sellers.
- Still developing: the range on sale can be limited.
Packing your own supplies is wise. You can bring a vape and e-liquids for personal use, kept in hand luggage with liquids within the usual limits, plus because the local choice is limited and still developing, it is sensible to bring enough for the whole trip, in personal quantities.
Because the local choice is still patchy, leaning on your own supply is the dependable option. A refillable kit and enough e-liquid for your stay means you are not relying on finding your preferred flavour locally.
Vaping in Egypt at a glance
Illustrative, check official advice.
What to pack and where you can vape
Two things matter for a smooth trip. Bring enough of your own supplies since local choice is limited, while use follows smoking style rules, so avoid vaping indoors in public places and never on the Cairo Metro or public transport.
On packing, the market is new, so the variety of devices and e-liquids may be thinner than at home, which is why bringing enough for the whole trip is the practical move. On use, vaping is generally not allowed in enclosed public places like government buildings, hospitals, schools and shopping centres, plus it is strictly forbidden on the Cairo Metro and public transport. Restaurants and cafes vary, so ask first, while hotels and resorts are often more relaxed, especially in private rooms or designated areas. Egypt is a conservative country in many respects, so be discreet in public, then avoid vaping at religious sites. When unsure, ask or wait for a suitable spot.
The etiquette side is as important as the legal side here. A little discretion goes a long way in Egypt, so stepping aside from crowds and away from religious or traditional settings keeps things comfortable for everyone.
Off to Egypt?
Pack a refillable kit and enough e-liquid, since the local choice is limited. Browse our starter kits or ask the team.
Travelling with your vape
A few simple steps keep things easy at the border. Keep your device in hand luggage with batteries protected, carry e-liquid within the usual liquid limits, then stick to personal quantities, since large amounts may be queried as commercial at customs.
Bringing one or two devices and enough e-liquid for your own use is normally fine, since customs are mainly concerned with people importing stock to sell. Keep batteries in your carry-on, never in the hold, as airlines require, then protect them from short circuits. Declare items if asked, then keep everything in original packaging where you can, which helps show it is for personal use. As a final point, the usual Gulf-style warning still applies more widely in the region, so never travel with cannabis or CBD vape liquids, since these fall under strict drug laws in many countries. Check official Egyptian guidance before you travel, since rules can change.
- Hand luggage: keep your device and batteries in your carry-on.
- Personal quantities: avoid amounts that look commercial.
- No CBD or THC: never travel with cannabis vape liquids.
- Check first: confirm the current rules before you travel.
If you want to dig deeper, see our explainer on whether vaping is banned in Turkey. It pairs well with our guide on whether vaping is banned in the UAE and our look at whether vaping is banned in Greece.
For the full set of guides, the travel vaping hub brings everything together in one place.
The bottom line: vaping is not banned in Egypt. The import and trade ban was lifted in 2022, so vaping is now legal and regulated for adults, with licensed retailers in major cities. However, the market is still developing, so choice is limited, which makes it sensible to bring enough supplies for the whole trip. Use follows smoking style rules, so avoid indoor public places and never vape on the Cairo Metro. Be discreet and respectful, then check official advice before you go.
Heading to Egypt soon?
Since the local choice is still limited, pack a refillable kit and enough e-liquid for the trip. Our vape starter kits are a great place to begin. You can also speak to the Vape Chaos team for advice on travelling with your device.
Frequently asked questions
Is vaping banned in Egypt?
No, vaping is not banned in Egypt. The import and trade ban was lifted in 2022, so vaping is now legal and regulated for adults, with licensed retailers in major cities. However, the market is still developing, so choice is limited, which makes it sensible to bring enough supplies for the whole trip. Use follows smoking style rules, so avoid indoor public places and the Cairo Metro.
Can you bring a vape into Egypt?
Yes. You can bring a vape and e-liquids for personal use into Egypt, kept in hand luggage with batteries protected and liquids within the usual limits. Stick to personal quantities, as large amounts may be queried as commercial at customs. Because the local choice is limited and still developing, it is sensible to bring enough supplies for the whole trip, then keep items in original packaging where you can.
Can you buy vapes in Egypt?
Yes, since 2022. After the import ban was lifted, licensed retailers now sell vape products in major cities and tourist areas like Cairo, Alexandria and Hurghada. However, the market is still developing, so the range of devices and e-liquids can be more limited than at home. Buy from licensed shops rather than street sellers for authentic products, then consider bringing your own preferred supplies.
Can you vape on the Cairo Metro?
No. Vaping and smoking are strictly forbidden on the Cairo Metro and public transport in Egypt, including buses and trains. More widely, vaping is generally not allowed in enclosed public places such as government buildings, hospitals, schools and shopping centres. Restaurants and cafes vary, so ask first, while hotels are often more relaxed. Be discreet in public, since Egypt is a conservative country.
Where can you vape in Egypt?
Outdoor spaces and more relaxed venues are usually fine, though enclosed public places like government buildings, hospitals, schools and shopping centres generally ban vaping, while the Cairo Metro and public transport strictly forbid it. Restaurants and cafes vary, so always ask first. Hotels and resorts may be more lenient, especially in private rooms. Be discreet and avoid vaping at religious sites out of respect.
