Visakhapatnam, IndiaSmoking policy at Visakhapatnam, Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)
Warnings & Caveats
Vaping (e-cigarettes, IQOS, heat-not-burn) is completely illegal in India under PECA 2019. Possession can result in confiscation, fines up to Rs 1 lakh, and imprisonment up to 1 year. Smoking outside designated zones is a compoundable offence under COTPA 2003, with a spot fine of up to Rs 200. Lighters may be confiscated at security checkpoints at Indian airports. As of 8 July 2026, VTZ no longer handles commercial flights. The new Bhogapuram Airport (VSA) has no documented smoking facilities yet.
Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ) has historically offered limited smoking options for travelers. The most important thing to know is that as of 8 July 2026, commercial flights have moved to the new Bhogapuram Airport (VSA), and VTZ no longer handles commercial traffic. If you are reading this before that transition, the information below reflects what was available at the old VTZ terminal.
Before Security
Smoking at VTZ was only permitted in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal buildings. No indoor landside smoking room was documented. You would need to step outside the terminal entrance to smoke before going through security checks.
After Security
Domestic departures: A smoking room was reported at the domestic departure hall on the ground floor, confirmed by a traveler report from July 2019. This was a designated indoor area within the security hold area.
International departures: No confirmed smoking facility was documented for the international side after security. Status was listed as unknown.
For connecting passengers, sources noted that you may need to exit the terminal entirely, smoke outside, and then re-enter and clear security again for your onward flight. This is an important consideration for transit travelers with tight connections.
New Bhogapuram Airport (VSA)
As of July 2026, Visakhapatnam's commercial flights operate from the new Bhogapuram International Airport (VSA). At the time of writing, no smoking facilities have been documented at VSA. Treat it as unknown until confirmed reports emerge.
Vaping Rules
Vaping is completely illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019. This covers possession, sale, import, and use of all e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heat-not-burn products including IQOS. Do not bring any vaping device into India. Customs actively scans for them, and penalties include fines up to Rs 1 lakh and imprisonment up to one year for a first offence.
Practical Tips
Lighters may be confiscated at security in Indian airports, a known issue across the country. Plan accordingly.
Smoking outside designated zones is a compoundable offence under COTPA 2003, with a spot fine of up to Rs 200.
Ask airline ground staff or the airport information desk for directions to the current smoking area.
Bottom Line
At the old VTZ, your best bet was the outdoor area before security or the domestic departure hall smoking room. For the new VSA airport, no smoking facilities are confirmed yet, so check closer to your travel date.
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