Survey finds uncertainty around vaping rules and access to preferred products when travelling overseas may affect efforts to quit smoking
- 40% of UK vapers and smokers change their nicotine habits when travelling abroad
- 8% say they have returned to smoking when overseas, having been unable to access their preferred vape or flavours
- 1 in 5 (21%) UK vapers are unsure about vaping rules in other countries
- 1 in 8 (12%) UK vapers say they only smoke when on holiday
London, UK, 27th July 2026 – A survey of 6,000 UK adults, conducted by Opinium on behalf of ELFBAR, found that among those who vape, four in ten (40%) change their habits abroad, with one in eight (12%) saying they only smoke when on holiday.
It also found that 8% say they have returned to smoking while overseas because they were unable to access their usual vape or preferred flavours, representing nearly half a million adult vapers. [1]
The findings suggest that travelling abroad can present challenges for some adults who have switched away from smoking, as changes to routine and product availability may affect their nicotine habits.
Challenges when trying to stay smoke-free abroad
Flavour availability was also found to be a consideration when travelling, with 15% of vapers saying concerns about accessing their preferred flavours overseas influence whether they vape while abroad. This aligns with wider findings from the survey on flavour choice, with seven in ten respondents who vape (70%) saying that they believed access to a range of flavours had supported their efforts to move away from smoking.
More broadly, the research highlighted that among the regular smokers surveyed, 54% said they had tried vaping as part of a quit attempt. This is more than double the number who say they have used nicotine patches (22%) or gum (22%).
An ELFBAR spokesperson comments: “For some adults who have moved away from smoking, travelling abroad may present unexpected challenges. The research suggests that when their usual vaping products or flavours are not accessible abroad, some return to smoking.”
Plan before travelling
The research also identified confusion around vaping rules and regulations when travelling as a key challenge, with many uncertain about requirements abroad.
Among current vapers, 21% say they are unsure about the laws on vaping in other countries, 15% do not know whether they can take a vape on a plane, and 13% worry about being fined or penalised for vaping abroad.
The ELFBAR spokesperson adds: “Planning ahead can help avoid confusion when travelling abroad. We advise vapers to check the vaping laws of their destination country and confirm airline policies on carrying vapes and e-liquids in hand luggage before they travel.”
The data form part of ELFBAR's ongoing series of studies looking at smoker behaviour and public attitudes to vaping-related issues, which have now surveyed over 46,000 UK adults since 2023, making it one of the most comprehensive datasets of its kind.
[1] The figure reflects the 8% of adult vapers who reported returning to smoking while abroad because they could not access their usual vaping products or preferred flavours. Extrapolated to ASH’s 2025 estimate of 5.5 million UK adult vapers, this equates to approximately 440,000 people, or around 500,000 based on the Opinium research.
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About the ELFBAR Opinium Survey:
The research was conducted by Opinium in May 2026, surveying 6,000 UK-based adults aged 18 and over.
Opinium is an independent research company founded in 2007. It is a member of the Market Research Society, British Polling Council, and ESOMAR.
