Is Vaping Banned in Saudi Arabia?
A clear UK guide to whether vaping is banned in Saudi Arabia, the flavour limits, where you can vape and a vital warning.
The short answer
No. Vaping is legal in Saudi Arabia, though it is regulated.
The catch
Flavours are limited and use is restricted.
Never bring
No cannabis or CBD vape liquids, ever.
Is vaping banned in Saudi Arabia?
No, vaping is not banned in Saudi Arabia, though it is regulated and a far cry from the relaxed UK setup. Vaping has been legal since the older sales ban was lifted, yet products must be certified, some flavours are restricted, use follows strict smoking rules, while cannabis or CBD vape liquids are strictly illegal. Bring a personal nicotine kit only.
It helps to know that the hardware and nicotine e-liquids are legal and sold, while flavour choice is limited and public use is restricted like smoking. The products are allowed for adults, while where you can use them is controlled. This page explains the law, the flavour limit, where you can vape and the one thing you must never bring, so always check the latest official advice before you travel.
Let us look at the law, flavours, where to vape and a vital warning.
Saudi Arabia is a legal but tightly managed market. Nicotine vaping is allowed and products are sold openly, though the country pairs that with flavour limits, strict use rules, plus an absolute line on cannabis-related products.
The legal position
Vaping is legal and regulated in Saudi Arabia. An older sales ban was lifted, so since then the import, sale and use of e-cigarettes and nicotine e-liquids have been legal for adults, provided products meet local certification standards, with a nicotine cap in line with the region too, so buy from licensed retailers.
- Legal to use: e-cigarettes are permitted for adults.
- Certified products: devices and liquids must meet local standards.
- Sold openly: available from licensed shops, no prescription needed.
- Nicotine cap: keep e-liquids within the regional limit.
You can bring a personal supply. Travellers may bring a vape and nicotine e-liquids for personal use, kept in hand luggage with liquids within the usual limits, though large quantities or very high-strength refills can be queried or seized, so keep it modest, not commercial.
A sensible personal amount is the key idea. One device and enough certified e-liquid for your trip is fine, whereas large quantities or very strong refills can look commercial and invite questions at customs.
Vaping in Saudi Arabia at a glance
Illustrative, check official advice.
Flavours and where you can vape
Two rules shape day to day vaping here. Certain sweet and dessert style flavours are restricted under local standards, while use follows the smoking rules, so vaping is banned in most indoor public places and on transport, with designated smoking rooms in some venues.
On flavours, the local standards restrict a range of sweet, candy and drink style flavours, so the choice on sale is narrower than at home, which is another reason to bring your own preferred e-liquid. On use, the anti-smoking law treats vaping like smoking, so it is not allowed in most indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport, though some venues provide designated smoking rooms. Outdoors away from these you generally have more freedom, though be discreet and respectful, since this is a conservative country. During Ramadan, do not vape in public during daylight hours. As always, look for signage and ask if you are unsure.
The practical takeaway is to treat your vape exactly as you would a cigarette, use only designated areas, then stay discreet in public. That approach keeps you comfortably within the rules throughout your stay.
Off to Saudi Arabia?
Pack your favourite flavours and a refillable kit, since the local flavour choice is limited. Browse our starter kits or ask the team.
A vital warning on what to bring
This is the most important part of the page. Nicotine vaping is legal, though cannabis and CBD vape liquids are strictly illegal in Saudi Arabia and fall under severe drug laws, so never bring THC or CBD vape products, even ones sold legally at home.
Many travellers do not realise that CBD liquids and any cannabis-derived vape products are treated as serious drug offences in Saudi Arabia, regardless of being legal in the UK or elsewhere. The vape format makes no difference, since it is the substance that matters, with penalties that are severe. The same caution applies to very high-strength nicotine liquids above the regional cap, which may not be permitted. To stay safe, bring only standard certified nicotine e-liquids within the limit, keep everything in original packaging, then leave any CBD or cannabis products at home. If ever unsure about a product, do not bring it, then check official Saudi government guidance before you travel.
- Never bring CBD or THC: cannabis vape liquids are strictly illegal.
- Format is irrelevant: the banned substance is what counts.
- Keep it modest: personal-use quantities only at customs.
- When unsure: leave it at home and check official guidance.
If you want to dig deeper, see our explainer on whether vaping is banned in the UAE. It pairs well with our guide on whether vaping is banned in Dubai and our look at whether vaping is banned in Qatar.
For the full set of guides, the travel vaping hub brings everything together in one place.
The bottom line: vaping is not banned in Saudi Arabia. An older sales ban was lifted, so nicotine vaping is legal for adults, with certified products sold by licensed shops. However, some flavours are restricted, while use follows strict smoking rules, so vaping is banned in most indoor public places and on transport, with designated smoking rooms in some venues. Most importantly, cannabis and CBD vape liquids are strictly illegal under severe drug laws, so never bring them. Bring only certified nicotine products and check official advice before you go.
Heading to Saudi Arabia soon?
Since the local flavour choice is limited, pack your favourite flavours and a refillable kit. 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 Saudi Arabia?
No, vaping is not banned in Saudi Arabia. An older sales ban was lifted, so nicotine vaping is legal for adults, with certified products sold by licensed shops. However, some flavours are restricted, while use follows strict smoking rules, so vaping is banned in most indoor public places and on transport. Cannabis and CBD vape liquids are strictly illegal, so never bring them.
Can you buy flavoured vapes in Saudi Arabia?
The choice is limited. Local standards restrict a range of sweet, candy and drink style flavours, so the selection on sale is narrower than in the UK. Tobacco and menthol leaning options are easier to find. Because of this, many travellers bring their own preferred e-liquid for the trip, which you can use freely within the rules. Buy from licensed retailers rather than unverified sellers for certified products.
Can you bring a vape into Saudi Arabia?
Yes, a personal nicotine vape is allowed. You can bring your device and certified nicotine e-liquids for personal use, kept in hand luggage with liquids within the usual limits. Keep quantities modest, as large amounts or very high-strength refills can be queried or seized as commercial. Crucially, never bring cannabis or CBD vape liquids, as these are strictly illegal under severe drug laws, regardless of being legal at home.
Where can you vape in Saudi Arabia?
Use follows the smoking rules. Vaping is banned in most indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport, mirroring the anti-smoking law, though some venues provide designated smoking rooms. Outdoors away from these you generally have more freedom, though be discreet and respectful, since this is a conservative country. During Ramadan, do not vape in public during daylight hours, then always look for signage.
Are CBD or cannabis vapes legal in Saudi Arabia?
No, absolutely not. While nicotine vaping is legal, cannabis and CBD vape liquids are strictly illegal in Saudi Arabia and fall under severe drug laws, with serious penalties. This applies even to CBD products sold legally in the UK or elsewhere, since the vape format makes no difference and the banned substance is what counts. Never bring any THC or CBD vape products to Saudi Arabia.
