Last updated: March 2026
Smoking Abroad: Rules, Fines & Tips for Travellers
If you travel as a smoker, you need to know the local laws – many popular holiday destinations enforce far stricter rules than you might be used to. From heavy fines in Dubai to e-cigarette bans in Thailand and beach smoking bans in Spain: this guide covers everything you need to know so your holiday doesn’t end with a fine.
Smoking in Dubai and the UAE
The United Arab Emirates have introduced some of the world’s strictest tobacco laws in recent years. Since Federal Law No. 15 of 2009, smoking is banned in all enclosed public spaces – including shopping malls, restaurants, government buildings and public transport.
Outdoors, smoking is generally permitted, but not near mosques, schools, hospitals or children’s playgrounds. Many hotels and resorts provide designated smoking areas – smoking outside these zones can result in fines.
Key Rules at a Glance
- ●Fines up to 2,000 AED (approx. €500) for smoking in prohibited areas.
- ●During Ramadan, public smoking in daytime is especially frowned upon – in some emirates it can be treated as an offence.
- ●Shisha smoking is subject to the same restrictions as cigarettes. Shisha cafés require a special licence.
- â—ŹE-cigarettes and vapes have been legally available since 2019, but strict import rules apply.
- â—ŹThe minimum age for purchasing tobacco products is 18.
Smoking Rules in Thailand, Egypt and Asia
Many Asian travel destinations have drastically tightened their tobacco laws in recent years. Travellers who are unaware of the regulations risk severe penalties – including imprisonment.
Thailand
Thailand has banned smoking on 24 popular beaches since 2017. Violations carry fines up to 100,000 THB (approx. €2,600) or up to one year in prison. Crucially, e-cigarettes have been completely banned in Thailand since 2014. Importing, possessing or using vapes can result in fines up to 30,000 THB and up to ten years’ imprisonment. Vapes are regularly confiscated at airports.
Egypt
Egypt has had an indoor smoking ban in public spaces since 2007. In practice, however, this law is often poorly enforced. Shisha smoking is deeply rooted in the culture and permitted in many cafés and restaurants. Nevertheless, strict bans apply in government buildings, hospitals and public transport.
Singapore, Japan & India
Singapore is one of the strictest countries worldwide: smoking is only allowed in designated areas, with fines up to 1,000 SGD (approx. €690) for a first offence. In Japan, many cities such as Tokyo enforce outdoor smoking bans on streets – designated smoking booths are provided instead. India has banned smoking in all public buildings since 2008, with fines of 200 INR (approx. €2.20), though enforcement is gradually tightening.
Smoking in European Holiday Destinations
Even within Europe, smoking laws vary considerably. While some countries remain relatively smoker-friendly, others have introduced comprehensive bans.
Spain
Spain introduced a nationwide smoking ban on all beaches and swimming pools in 2024. Previously, regions such as the Balearic and Canary Islands had already enacted their own beach smoking bans. A complete smoking ban has applied in restaurants and bars since 2011 – including covered terraces. Fines range from €30 to €600 for simple violations.
Netherlands
The Netherlands have gradually expanded their smoking ban. Since 2024, smoking is prohibited on all train platforms, in parks and on playgrounds. A complete ban applies in hospitality venues – even dedicated smoking rooms are no longer permitted. Cigarette vending machines were completely abolished in 2022.
Norway and Sweden: Europe’s Strictest Rules
Scandinavia leads the way in Europe. Norway has banned indoor smoking since 2004 and introduced bans at bus stops, entrances to public buildings and outdoor hospitality terraces in 2024. Cigarettes in Norway are also extremely expensive – a pack costs around €15.
Sweden pursues the ambitious goal of becoming “smoke-free” by 2025. Smoking is already banned at bus stops, outside restaurants and on playgrounds. Snus (oral tobacco) is widespread and legal in Sweden, though its export to other EU countries is prohibited. Sweden’s smoking rate is below 6% – one of the lowest worldwide.
Smoking in Prison – What Are the Rules?
A frequently asked question that surprises many: in German prisons, smoking is still generally permitted – though with increasing restrictions. The rules vary from state to state, as the prison system falls under state jurisdiction.
As a rule, inmates may smoke in their cells, provided no non-smoker shares the same room. Common areas, workshops and corridors are smoke-free in most federal states. Tobacco is purchased through the prison shop and serves as an unofficial “currency” in many correctional facilities.
International Comparison
In England and Wales, a complete smoking ban has applied in all prisons since 2018. In the USA, many states have also banned smoking in correctional facilities. The WHO recommends smoke-free prisons as a health protection measure – for both inmates and staff.
Tips for Smokers When Travelling
A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding unpleasant surprises on holiday. Here are the most important tips:
- 1Research local smoking laws before your trip – embassy websites and government travel advisories are good sources.
- 2Use duty-free allowances strategically: import limits vary greatly. Into the EU from non-EU countries, the maximum is 200 cigarettes.
- 3E-cigarettes and vapes are banned or heavily regulated in many countries – when in doubt, leave them at home.
- 4Be aware that nicotine patches and gum require a prescription in some countries.
- 5Consider your holiday as an opportunity to quit: many ex-smokers report that a trip was the perfect time to stop – the change in routine helps break old habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you smoke on the street in Dubai?
Yes, smoking on public streets in Dubai is generally permitted. However, it is prohibited near mosques, schools, hospitals, playgrounds and at entrances to public buildings. During Ramadan, public smoking during the day should be avoided out of respect.
Are e-cigarettes allowed in Thailand?
No. E-cigarettes, vapes and all types of electronic smoking devices have been completely banned in Thailand since 2014. Importing, possessing or using them can result in fines up to 30,000 THB and prison sentences of up to ten years. Travellers should definitely leave their e-cigarettes at home.
Can you smoke on beaches in Spain?
Since 2024, a nationwide smoking ban applies on all beaches and public swimming pools in Spain. Individual regions such as the Balearic Islands had already introduced this rule earlier. Fines for violations range from €30 to €600.
“Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death globally. Comprehensive smoke-free policies protect people from second-hand smoke and encourage smokers to quit.”
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Sources: WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). UAE Federal Law No. 15/2009 on Tobacco Control. Thailand Tobacco Products Control Act, B.E. 2560 (2017). Spain Ley 28/2005 (Ley Antitabaco), amended 2024. Norway Tobacco Control Act (Tobakksskadeloven). Sweden Tobacco Act (Tobakslag 2018:2088). German federal state prison legislation (Strafvollzugsgesetze).