VAPING continues to divide opinions with many claiming it is safe while others stating it should be banned due to the danger it poses.

Before you head on your next holiday, you should check if you can travel with e-cigarettes as a rising number of countries are banning them.

6 In certain countries, even owning a vape pen could get you put in prison Credit: Getty - Contributor

Laws surrounding vaping are still evolving - governments are constantly changing their rules based on new information about how dangerous it is.

Some countries ban the sale of e-cigarettes, but not their possession, while others ban nicotine-containing liquids.

The strictest countries are the ones who forbid- or at least strongly frown upon - everything from the sale and import to the use of the devices altogether.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued new advice claiming vaping is dangerous and could cause serious health damage.

Their new warning stated: "E-cigarettes are harmful to health and are not safe. Exposure to nicotine can have long-lasting, damaging effects."

6 Where is vaping banned or restricted around the world?

They have claimed that there is strong evidence that links them to lung damage and heart disease.

It is the strongest statement to date from the organisation regarding the effects of vaping following their study in 2016, which recommended e-cigarettes should be banned in indoor areas or where smoking is prohibited.

The findings have had a big effect on the governments of certain countries, with some banning vape pens altogether.

But to help you on your next holiday, we've produced a handy guide to where you can't currently smoke e-cigarettes.

6 Taking your vaping gear abroad may be illegal, so check the rules before you leave Credit: Getty - Contributor

Countries where vaping is banned

Tourists heading to Thailand should leave their e-cigarettes behind or risk ending up in prison, as the country has some of the strictest laws.

According to the UK Foreign Office, any e-cigarettes found by Thai officials are likely to be confiscated, and the owner could be fined or sent to prison for up to ten years.

Over in South America, Argentinian and Venezuelan officials frown on personal vaporisers.

While travellers have reported being able to vape in some public places, be aware that you may be fined.

Cambodia, Lebanon, Philippines and Vietnam joined Thailand in banning e-cigarettes as well, along with India last year.

6 E-cigs on the beach? Be careful - many countries have strict regulations about the smoking of e-cigarettes Credit: Getty - Contributor

Meanwhile, visitors to Brazil are also warned about smoking e-cigarettes - the country banned their manufacture and sale in 2014 and officials have been known to hand out fines for any products confiscated.

Uruguay have also put a blanket ban on electronic cigarettes in 2009, when the Minister of Health claimed that the presence of toxic gases and lack of proof that e-cigarettes work as effective tools to quit smoking were reason enough.

Jordan, Oman and Qatar have banned e-cigarettes with the reasoning that nicotine is damaging to health - despite the fact that cigarettes are still legal.

In Taiwan, e-cigarettes are classed as a regulated drug, meaning their import and sale can lead to prison sentences and fines.

6 As the popularity and awareness of vaping increases around the world, the laws surrounding it are also constantly changing Credit: Alamy

Countries where vaping is restricted

While some countries ban vaping altogether, in others it's more of a grey area.

In Australia for example, it is legal to use vape pens but liquid nicotine is illegal, despite recent campaigning groups fighting to allow the use of nicotine.

Japan has similar laws banning nicotine liquids.

Meanwhile in Canada, vaping is prohibited for those under the age of 19. And while it is allowed in many establishments, it is seen as rude not to ask first.

A number of US states are also proposing new laws to prevent minors from buying vaping pens.

San Francisco and Massachusetts banned the sale of e-cigarettes last year, while Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington have banned flavoured e-cigarettes.

6 If vaping is banned in your country of travel it’s best to not risk a fine, or worse, from the police Credit: Alamy

Hong Kong introduced a ban on the sale of vapes last year, and while vaping remains legal, it could change very soon.

Most of Europe allows vaping, as long as it is not in a public establishment.

Norway is the exception to this as the use of nicotine through vaping is banned.

Dan Marchant, Director of Vape Club told Sun Online: "As the popularity and awareness of vaping increases around the world, the laws surrounding it are also constantly changing, so it is vital that travellers seek up to date advice before travelling.

"We hear of different attitudes towards vaping coming from countries where vape products have been banned, though of course if vaping is banned in your country of travel it’s best to not risk a fine, or worse, from the police.

"One other important thing to remember is to keep vape batteries in your hand luggage as they are required to be kept in a pressure controlled environment."

What is the impact of vaping compared to smoking cigarettes?

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