Navigating the increasingly complicated world of travel and smoking regulations can be a hassle. From large fines to local cigarette taxes, to outright bans, it can happen anywhere. This guide will show you where you can smoke cigarettes legally and where to go to find out what the current rules are.
Want To Get Caught Up On Travel And Smoking News?
France recently passed some of Europe’s harshest new smoking bans in the world. As of 2024, if you smoke in a park, beach, or in the presence of children, it’s punishable by up to 135 euros (approx $150 USD) per cigarette.
France isn’t alone. In many countries around the world, smoking fines are more than ever before. If you plan on traveling in 2024, especially to popular locations and vacation spots, it’s time to learn the ins and outs of the most popular travel destinations for smokers.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect to find in this detailed guide to smoking rules in major travel destinations:
- A comprehensive list of current smoking restrictions worldwide
- A detailed list of countries that enforce the strictest punishments and fines
- Top tips for smart and savvy traveling with tobacco
- What you need to know to avoid paying fines
Getting Caught In The Realities Of Travel Regulations
Did you know something that may surprise you?
Mexico just banned smoking in outdoor public spaces, making it one of the most strict, no tolerance countries on the planet. Tourists caught smoking in a banned area face a fine of $50 to $300, or up to 36 hours in administrative detention. Plus, importation and use of e-cigarettes/vapes is now completely banned in public spaces.
Here’s the problem…
Travel is different for smokers than it used to be. Smoking while traveling can now result in big fines and major hassles.
Here’s what many smokers traveling internationally are finding out the hard way…
Approximately 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users currently reside in countries that are going smoke-free. That means you, and you don’t want to be stuck trying to pay fines you didn’t know you could get!
Smoking Restrictions ─ The Real Reasons Behind The Crackdown
Here’s something you may not have known…
Cigarette litter accounts for around 80% of all plastic and paper litter in the world. That’s why major beach destinations and tourist attractions have begun implementing total smoking bans to protect the environment.
But there is more to the story…
Second-hand smoke exposure is responsible for approximately 1.6 million deaths among non-smokers each year. Many tourist destinations are finally starting to take note of this, especially in family-friendly areas and places with children and kids present.
Smokers from countries with looser smoking laws, including those looking for cheap smokes Canada options before traveling, are finding out just how strict the new international regulations really are. Many Canadians and Americans that smoke have become accustomed to smoking outside and in more open spaces at home, so travel abroad can be a major adjustment.
Cost is another factor at play as tourist destinations are waking up to the financial burden tobacco usage places on their healthcare systems. Emergency room visits by international visitors who require treatment while smoking is not uncommon.
Countries That Are Leading The Charge On Anti-Smoking Regulations
Spain has banned smoking on many of its beaches and in popular tourist areas. Ibiza (Majorca, Minorca) is one of the biggest offenders, having banned smoking in all tourist beaches in popular towns such as Muro and Port de Sant Miguel.
Japan is another surprising addition to this list. They recently banned outdoor smoking in almost all public spaces. This means you can visit Tokyo and pretty much nowhere to smoke outside, except in a few designated indoor areas.
But the real surprise is this:
Queensland, Australia, is in the process of implementing smoke-free public places legislation which includes school car parks, events with children or teenagers present. They have some of the highest fines in the world and their enforcement is aggressive.
The United Kingdom is close to introducing a law that will make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after 1st January 2009. A generational age-ban approach that will mean eventually there will be entire generations of non-smoking travelers by default.
The Savvy Travelers Guide To Staying On Top Of Smoking Rules
Planning ahead has never been more important for travelers who smoke.
Make sure you do research before you book any international trip. Don’t assume smoking is allowed anywhere because it is outdoors in one area of the country.
Use translation apps that have smoking terminology included in local languages. This will allow you to ask “Where can I smoke?” or “Is smoking allowed here?” in their language.
Pro Tip: Many hotels now have smoking rooms, and sometimes entire smoking floors.
When making a reservation, explicitly request a smoking room and confirm it when booking, during check in, and when you actually arrive. Requesting a smoking room far in advance can make a difference as these tend to book up fast.
Nicotine replacement options for long flights are always an idea for those that don’t want to go cold turkey on tobacco while traveling. Nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches are all great ideas for transit and in high restriction/no smoking areas.
Accidental Tourist Fines ─ Why Fines Are So Costly
Tourist fines are an easy way for countries to collect large sums of money.
They know that when a tourist pays a fine, they will almost never come back to that country and dispute it. Enforcement officers are in high tourist traffic areas during tourist seasons patrolling specifically for tourists breaking the local smoking laws.
Let’s do some math…
In France alone, they collected millions in fines from tourists for smoking in banned areas in 2024. These fines are high because they are supposed to hurt enough to ensure a behavioral change.
They carry international passports as ID while smoking in allowable areas.
Many countries require you to show proof of age, even as an adult. If you’re traveling to a strict country, having the right ID with you at all times can make all the difference. Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean that you don’t need to show ID.
Find out where the smoking areas are at tourist attractions.
Many popular tourist sites have smoking areas that are set apart and out of the way of most tourists. You will need to research your destination before arrival to find out where these are.
Build your own Travel Smoking Strategy
Before you travel, create a smoking strategy that you follow every time.
Make a map of all the designated smoking areas at your transit points, hotels, and attractions. This prevents the from getting in a situation where you’re desperate for a cigarette and end up breaking the local smoking laws.
Budget for extra money for your smoking during your travel plans.
Extra money for things like fines, increased price for cigarettes and tobacco products in tourist areas, designated smoking areas, and smoking accessories like lighters and ashtrays.
The Takeaway
Global smoking restrictions are not going anywhere.
Each year, more and more countries around the world implement new and expansive smoke-free bans.
Smarter, wiser travelers adjust their habits to fit the country they are in. Fighting the system will never be easy and is more expensive than ever.
Traveling as a smoker is hard. It’s more expensive than ever before. Education is key.
Educating yourself on the most current travel regulations, and planning accordingly is the only way to ensure your trips and adventures are fun and memorable, not just an expensive lesson in international law.