Is Vaping Banned in Turkey?

Is vaping banned in Turkey?

Vaping is a mixed picture in Turkey, where using a vape is allowed but buying one is not. Turkey bans the sale and import of e-cigarettes and e-liquids for trade, so there are no legal vape shops, yet personal use is recognised, meaning you can bring and use your own device within limits. Pack what you need.

It helps to separate the sales ban from personal use, since this is what makes Turkey unusual. You cannot buy vaping products there, while you can bring and use your own. This page explains the sales ban, what you may bring and where you can vape, so always check the latest official advice before you travel.

Let us look at the ban, what to bring and where to vape.

Turkey is an unusual case because the device in your pocket is treated quite differently from the same device on a shop shelf. Using one is tolerated, while the trade is shut off, which is why a little preparation before you fly matters more here than in most places.

The sales and import ban

This is really the rule that defines vaping in Turkey. Under a 2020 decree, the commercial import and sale of e-cigarettes, e-liquids and related products are banned, so you will not find legal vape shops and cannot reliably buy pods, e-liquid or kits once you arrive, whether they contain nicotine or not.

• No legal shops: commercial sale of vapes is banned.
• No imports for trade: retail supply is effectively shut down.
• Personal use allowed: bringing your own for use is recognised.
• Avoid black market: unofficial sellers offer unregulated products.

The practical effect of this is quite simple. Because there is no legal retail market, you must bring your own device and enough e-liquid for the whole trip, plus you should not count on buying anything vape-related in Turkey, since street or online sellers are unregulated and risky.

You may well see locals vaping, which can give the impression that supplies are easy to find. They are not, at least not legally, so it is best to assume that whatever you arrive with is all you will have for the trip.

What you can bring

Turkey does allow a personal-use amount for travellers. You can bring your own device and a reasonable quantity of e-liquid for personal use, kept in your hand luggage, though bringing large amounts risks confiscation, since customs treat bulk quantities as suspected smuggling.

Keep it modest and clearly for your own personal use, which usually means one device and a small e-liquid supply at most. Customs at major airports do scan bags for vapes, while a single personal device is generally fine, though it may be surrendered if questioned. Do not pack a suitcase full of pods or disposables, as that looks commercial and can be confiscated. Carry everything in your hand luggage as you would on any other flight, since the batteries cannot go in the hold. If in doubt about current allowances, check official guidance before you fly.

The sensible mindset is to travel light but sufficient. Enough e-liquid for your stay, one device and perhaps a spare coil covers most trips, while keeping you comfortably on the right side of the personal-use line that customs are watching for.

Where you can vape

Using a vape simply follows the smoking rules in Turkey. Vaping is treated like smoking, so it is banned in enclosed public spaces, on public transport and in covered outdoor dining areas, while open public spaces and private property where smoking is allowed are generally fine.

If you happen to see a no-smoking sign anywhere, treat it as a no-vaping sign too, since the rules are interpreted the same way. You can usually vape in open outdoor areas and on private property, plus some hotels have smoking rooms where vaping is also permitted. The airports there have designated outdoor areas. Be discreet and considerate, keeping clouds away from others. It is also worth noting that Turkey has discussed much stricter future rules, so the position could tighten, which is another reason to check official travel advice close to your trip.

• No indoors: banned in enclosed public spaces and transport.
• Open air ok: generally fine where smoking is allowed.
• Follow signs: a no-smoking sign covers vaping too.
• Check first: rules may tighten, so confirm before you travel.

If you want to dig deeper, see our explainer on whether vaping is banned in Greece. It pairs well with our guide on whether vaping is banned in Spain and our look at whether you can put vapes in a suitcase.

For the full set of guides, the travel vaping hub brings everything together in one place.

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