UK tourists on European summer holidays could face fines of up to 433

Strict rules in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Croatia and beyond

James Rodger Content Editor

11:07, 22 Jul 2026

[UK tourists on European summer holidays could face fines of up to 433]

UK tourists on European summer holidays could face fines of up to 433

UK tourists heading on European summer holidays could face fines of up to 433. Some European Union destinations have strict rules on vape usage and you can be landed with a fine worth up to 433 if you get caught out.

In Spain, Barcelona introduced smoke-free beaches in 2022. Italy, meanwhile, lets local councils set their own beach smoking rules, and 2026 beach ordinances in several resorts include administrative fines up to 433.

In Portugal, e-cigarettes are legal, but use is restricted in enclosed public spaces including restaurants, workplaces, public transport and many hospitality venues unless a compliant designated area is provided.

In Croatia, in the EU, the safest approach is to treat indoor venues, public transport, schools, healthcare sites and marked smoke-free areas as off limits unless staff or signage clearly say otherwise.

Experts at One Sure Insurance urge: "We urge Brits to familiarise themselves with regulations before travelling abroad, to avoid fines and penalties."

They continued and added: "Certain countries have banned vaping, including popular destinations such as France, following Belgium, which was the first country to ban the sale of disposable vapes in the EU."

One Sure Insurance has issued a warning to travellers to double-check regulations before booking their trips, highlighting that: "Certain countries also ban the sale of flavoured vapes, such as in the Netherlands."

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They went on: "For those planning to enjoy their e-cigarettes in the sun, it's vital to be informed about local laws, especially in countries like Spain where vaping is banned on certain beaches.

"Before travelling, it's a good idea to consult government resources for your destination to ensure you're up-to-date with current regulations, not those just on vaping. If you're unsure, it's always better to be safe and avoid vaping on beaches that may have specific laws in place."

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