Turkey has always been among my favourite travel destinations. The country has beautiful beaches in Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum, and more locations, while Istanbul is a prime destination for those looking for a more cultural holiday. If you’re looking to travel to Turkey with your vape, we’re here to get you up to date with the local laws before you pack your bags.
Considering the country has been cracking down on indoor smoking over the last decade, knowing the rules about vaping in Turkey can help you avoid fines. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about vaping in Turkey, from what you can bring through customs to where you’re allowed to use your device.
Can You Vape in Turkey?
Yes, you can vape in Turkey, but only in areas where smoking is permitted.
Turkey treats electronic cigarettes the same as traditional tobacco products under Law No. 4207 on the Control of Harms of Tobacco Products. This means vaping is prohibited in all enclosed public spaces, including restaurants, cafes, public transport, shopping centers, and government buildings.
In Turkey, you can vape in open public areas, designated smoking zones, and private properties where smoking is allowed. Turkish airports, including Istanbul Airport, provide designated smoking terraces where vaping is also permitted. These spaces often draw a mix of travelers and locals. You can see people sipping coffee inside, scrolling through news feeds, or quietly following the latest updates on football live scores apps before their next flight.
The legal vaping age in Turkey is 18, as this is also the minimum age required to buy and use tobacco products.
Can You Buy Vapes in Turkey?
No, you cannot legally buy vaping products in Turkey.
Turkey banned the sale and importation of vaping products under Presidential Decree No. 2149, issued in February 2020. This means you won’t find legitimate vape shops or e-liquid retailers anywhere in Turkey.
However, you’ll still see plenty of locals vaping in Turkey. Despite the official restrictions, a small black market exists where individuals travel abroad, bring back vape products for “personal use,” and then sell them through unofficial channels.
You can sometimes find suppliers via online forums or word of mouth, but it’s difficult to verify their reliability or product quality. For that reason, I’d recommend bringing your own vape and e-liquid supply while traveling to Turkey. A similar situation applies to betting apps in the country, but there are legal alternatives to them, so vaping may eventually face the same treatment at an unknown date in the future.
Can You Take Vapes to Turkey?
Yes, you can bring vaping products to Turkey for personal use, but there are quantity limits, according to local government sources on vapes.
- One vaping device or battery per person
- Up to 30ml of e-liquid (in refill bottles or pods)
- Maximum of 10 disposable vapes per person
These limits apply regardless of whether your products contain nicotine or are 0mg variants. Upon arrival, you should declare your vaping products at customs. While some travelers report being allowed through with slightly more than the 30ml limit, I always recommend sticking to the official regulations to avoid confiscation.
Pack your vaping gear accordingly so everything is easily accessible for declaration. Our practical Turkey travel tips can help you further as you prepare the rest of your luggage.
What Happens If You Break Vaping Laws in Turkey?
Breaking vaping laws in Turkey can result in fines of around £30-45. The amount fluctuates throughout the year due to the country’s highly volatile exchange rates. The fine generally trends lower in GBP value toward the later stages of the year.
If you get fined in Turkey, make sure to pay within 15 days to receive a 25 percent discount.
FAQs about Vaping in Turkey
Can you smoke in public in Turkey?
You can smoke in open public spaces in Turkey, but smoking is banned in all enclosed public areas, including public transport, restaurants, cafes, and government buildings. The same restrictions apply to vaping.
Can you smoke on the beach in Turkey?
Yes, you can generally smoke on beaches in Turkey as they are considered open public spaces. However, some private beaches or resort areas may have their own no-smoking policies.
Do electronic cigarettes count as tobacco products in Turkey?
Yes, Turkey classifies electronic cigarettes and all vaping devices as tobacco products.
What is not allowed to bring into Turkey?
You aren’t allowed to bring firearms, offensive weapons, endangered animal and plant species, or indecent and obscene materials into Turkey. Food items like eggs, meat, and dairy products are also prohibited.
For vaping specifically, you cannot import products in commercial quantities or amounts that suggest intent to sell.
What should you do if you run out of vape supplies in Turkey?
You can’t legally buy replacement vaping products anywhere in Turkey, so it’s best to plan your supplies ahead of your perfect trip to Turkey. Make sure you bring enough to last your entire stay. In a pinch, you might try asking a hotel staff member or a local vaper if they can share, but it’s better not to rely on that option.
