Adults only (18+)

Can You Vape in Turkey

Turkey is a country where East meets West, combining deep history with modern lifestyles. For visitors who vape, understanding the local rules is important before packing a device or e-liquid for the trip. The good news is that vaping is legal in Turkey, but it is tightly controlled. Travellers can use their devices in most outdoor areas, but the import and sale of vape products are subject to strict regulations. This means that while you can legally vape, there are some important limitations to keep in mind if you want to stay within the law.

Is Vaping Legal in Turkey?

Vaping is legal in Turkey, but the importation and domestic sale of e-cigarettes and e-liquids containing nicotine are restricted. The Turkish government has not banned vaping outright, but it discourages the use of nicotine-based products by regulating how they are sold. This means that vapes and e-liquids are not as widely available as they are in the UK or much of Europe.

The restrictions apply mostly to the commercial side of vaping. Selling nicotine-containing e-liquids is illegal in Turkey, and online sales are monitored closely by the Ministry of Health. However, individuals are not prohibited from vaping, and there are no specific laws against personal use. This creates a unique situation where vaping is permitted but access to nicotine-based products is limited.

Bringing Your Vape to Turkey

If you are travelling from abroad, you are allowed to bring your personal vaping device and e-liquids into Turkey for personal use. Customs officers generally do not confiscate small quantities of e-liquids or kits, provided they are clearly for your own use and not for resale.

It is advisable to pack your vape and any e-liquids in your hand luggage, as lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage. When going through airport security, keep your liquids within the standard 100-millilitre limit and store them in a clear resealable bag. Most airlines allow vapes in hand luggage but prohibit their use during the flight.

If you are travelling internally within Turkey, the same rules apply. Vape devices are allowed in hand luggage, but vaping inside airports or on planes is strictly forbidden.

Where You Can Vape in Turkey

Vaping in Turkey follows the same rules as smoking. You can vape in open outdoor areas such as parks, beaches, and café terraces, but vaping indoors in public spaces is not allowed. This includes restaurants, shopping centres, offices, and public transport.

Many bars and cafés with outdoor seating areas allow vaping, especially in tourist areas like Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, and Marmaris. However, it is always best to ask staff before using your vape indoors, as individual businesses may have their own policies.

Hotels generally apply the same smoking rules to vaping. Most rooms are designated as non-smoking, so you should only vape on balconies or in outdoor areas to avoid fines or cleaning fees. Some hotels provide dedicated smoking sections where vaping is also accepted.

Buying Vape Products in Turkey

You may find vape products for sale in Turkey, but the selection is limited and inconsistent. Officially, the sale of nicotine e-liquids is restricted, but non-nicotine e-liquids and vape hardware such as coils, tanks, and devices can be found in specialist shops or markets. Some shops sell imported nicotine-containing e-liquids discreetly, but these are not officially authorised and may not meet safety standards.

If you are a regular vaper, it is best to bring enough supplies for your entire trip, including e-liquids, spare coils, and chargers. Carry them in sealed containers and label them clearly to avoid confusion during security checks.

Public Attitudes Towards Vaping in Turkey

Public attitudes toward vaping in Turkey are generally relaxed, especially in tourist areas. Locals are used to seeing people smoke and vape outdoors, and it is rarely considered offensive as long as it is done respectfully. However, vaping indoors without permission may be frowned upon, particularly in more traditional or family-oriented settings.

In large cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, you will find many people vaping openly in outdoor cafés and near public areas. Along the coastal resorts, tourists often vape freely on hotel balconies and beaches. However, in smaller towns and rural areas, it is more respectful to vape discreetly and avoid drawing attention.

Vaping vs Smoking in Turkey

Smoking is still very common in Turkey, with cigarettes widely used across all regions. The government has introduced anti-smoking campaigns and public health warnings, but tobacco remains culturally accepted. This makes vaping less controversial than in some countries, though it is still not promoted by health authorities.

Unlike the UK, where vaping is seen as a harm-reduction tool, Turkey does not officially endorse vaping as a smoking cessation method. Instead, it treats vaping as part of the same regulatory framework as tobacco. This means advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of vape products are restricted, and you will not find vape marketing or public campaigns in support of it.

Health and Regulation

The Turkish Ministry of Health regulates vape products under the same framework as tobacco, focusing on public safety and youth prevention. Nicotine-based products are controlled to prevent unauthorised sales, particularly to minors. The sale of any nicotine-containing product to anyone under 18 is illegal, and fines can be imposed for violations.

Vape products must comply with packaging and labelling requirements that include health warnings in Turkish. Since imported products are not officially licensed, buying e-liquids from unofficial sellers can pose risks, as some may contain unverified ingredients. For this reason, it is safest to bring your own e-liquids from a reputable UK or EU supplier when travelling.

Vaping Etiquette in Turkey

While vaping is not illegal, being respectful of others is key. Avoid vaping in crowded places, religious sites, or near children. If you are in a restaurant, bar, or café, always ask before using your device, even if others are smoking nearby. Discretion goes a long way in maintaining good manners and avoiding misunderstandings.

It is also important to dispose of vape waste responsibly. Batteries, pods, and e-liquid bottles should not be thrown in general rubbish bins. Take them home for proper recycling if possible, or use local disposal facilities if available.

How Turkey Compares to the UK

The UK and Turkey take very different approaches to vaping. In the UK, vaping is encouraged as a harm-reduction method, with public health bodies promoting it as a safer alternative to smoking. Vape products are widely available, regulated for quality, and sold through licensed retailers.

In Turkey, however, vaping is tolerated rather than supported. It is legal to use vape devices, but strict import and sale restrictions mean access to products is limited. The Turkish government has not endorsed vaping as a quit-smoking aid and continues to regulate it under the same rules as tobacco.

For UK travellers, this difference means adjusting expectations. While you can still vape legally in Turkey, you must bring your own equipment and act responsibly in public spaces.

Travel Tips for Vapers Visiting Turkey

Before travelling to Turkey, pack your vape equipment and e-liquids in compliance with airline and airport rules. Keep devices in your hand luggage, store liquids under 100 millilitres in a clear resealable bag, and avoid overpacking supplies that could be mistaken for commercial stock.

When in Turkey, stick to outdoor areas for vaping, avoid indoor public spaces, and be courteous to those around you. Do not attempt to buy nicotine e-liquids from unofficial sellers, as these may not meet safety standards and could be illegal.

If you plan to travel between cities, carry your vape discreetly, and avoid using it in public transport terminals, train stations, or ferries, where smoking and vaping are usually prohibited.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can vape in Turkey, but you must follow the country’s regulations carefully. Vaping is legal for personal use, but the sale and importation of nicotine e-liquids are tightly controlled. You can vape in outdoor areas such as beaches, cafés, and terraces, but indoor vaping is not permitted.

Tourists should bring their own supplies, vape discreetly, and respect local customs. With a little preparation and awareness, you can enjoy your trip to Turkey without any problems while staying within the law.