
Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places in China, including public transport. This includes civil airports, where smoking is prohibited airside. However, smoking is allowed in the toilets of airports. Some airports, such as Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, have smoking areas. In the case of Beijing Capital Airport, it appears that leaving the airport to smoke during a stopover is possible but may require a visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking inside the airport terminals in China | Not allowed |
| Smoking in toilets | Allowed |
| Beijing Capital Airport | No smoking facilities inside |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport | No smoking inside Terminal 2 |
| Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 1 Domestic flights | Has a smokers' room in Area B downstairs next to Gates B13-18 |
| Hong Kong Airport | Smoking banned in terminals since 1997 |
| Lighter restrictions | Lighters are banned in all Chinese airports |
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What You'll Learn

Smoking inside Chinese airports is prohibited by law
Smoking is prevalent in China, with the country being the world's largest consumer and producer of tobacco. However, there are several laws and regulations that address tobacco use in the country. While public enforcement is rare outside of major cities like Shanghai and Beijing, smoking is prohibited by law in Chinese airports.
The Civil Aviation Administration Rules, which fall under China's smoke-free policies, include a ban on smoking in civil airports and civil aircraft. This means that smoking inside the airport terminal is not allowed. In fact, the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is strict about enforcing this ban and does not permit lighters in carry-on or checked luggage.
Some sources suggest that smoking is permitted in the toilets of Chinese airports, but this may be an outdated practice. One source from 2018 mentions that there are no smoking facilities inside Beijing Capital Airport, while another from 2019 indicates the presence of smoking rooms in some domestic terminals at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.
If you are transiting through a Chinese airport and need to smoke, it is advisable to check with the airport or local authorities about designated smoking areas. These areas may be available outside the terminal or in specific smoking lounges within the airport. However, keep in mind that you may need to go through additional security checks if you exit the terminal for a cigarette.
In summary, while smoking is prevalent in China, it is prohibited by law in civil airports. Smokers transiting through Chinese airports should be prepared for limited or no access to smoking areas and should respect the rules and regulations enforced by the local authorities.
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Smoking is allowed in airport toilets
Smoking is prevalent in China, with the country being the world's largest consumer and producer of tobacco. There are around 300 million Chinese smokers, and people in China generally have a lot of rules surrounding the act of smoking. For example, when smoking with elders or leaders at work, it is customary to offer them your cigarettes, with the cigarette being of a similar or higher grade than theirs.
Despite the high number of smokers in China, there are several laws and regulations that address tobacco use in the country. These include the Ministry of Health Rules on the Implementation of Public Places Sanitation Administration Regulations, the Law on the Protection of Minors, and the Civil Aviation Administration Rules on the Prohibition of Smoking in Civil Airports and Civil Aircraft.
In Chinese airports, smoking is banned in all terminals and airside. However, some airports have smoking rooms or areas, usually airside, where smoking is permitted. For example, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has smoking rooms or areas in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It is important to note that there is a ban on lighters in all Chinese airports, and smokers must use the wall-mounted cigarette lighters provided.
While smoking is prohibited in airport terminals, some sources suggest that smoking in airport toilets may be acceptable. However, it is important to note that public lavatories are included in the list of places where smoking is banned in China. Therefore, it is advisable to check the specific regulations of the airport you are in before smoking in the toilets.
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Beijing Airport (PEK) has smoking rooms in multiple locations
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is not smoker-friendly. There are no smoking facilities inside the airport, and smoking is banned inside the terminal. However, some travellers have reported smoking in airport bathrooms, with janitors charging a small fee to allow it. However, this is not recommended as it is illegal and could result in arrest.
If you need to smoke, you must exit the airport, which can take 1-2 hours of queuing to get a 24-hour TWOV (Transit Without Visa). Some travellers have reported that immigration officers allowed them to exit the airport to smoke, but this is not guaranteed and may not be worth the risk.
Alternatively, you can enter China and take a tram to the Domestic side, where smoking areas with pole trays and bench seats are located outside Gates 1, 5, and 7. Only Gate 7 is open 24 hours. You can purchase beer at a convenience store and take it outside to the smoking area. Please note that the Chinese airport police are strict, and attempting to smoke illicitly can result in penalties, including hard labour time.
While Beijing Airport may not offer convenient smoking options, it is important to respect the laws and regulations in place. As China's tobacco control policies continue to evolve, it is best to stay informed about the latest rules and designated smoking areas to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
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There is a ban on smoking in cockpits on domestic flights
Smoking is prevalent in China, with the People's Republic being the world's largest consumer and producer of tobacco. However, there are several laws and regulations that address tobacco use in the country. While public enforcement is rare outside of large cities, smoking is banned in at least 28 indoor public places, including medical facilities, restaurants, bars, and most public transportation. Airports in China, such as Beijing Capital Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, generally do not allow smoking inside the terminals. However, there may be designated smoking areas outside the terminals or in specific smoking lounges within the airport. It is important to note that there is a ban on lighters in all Chinese airports, and smokers may have to rely on wall-mounted cigarette lighters.
When it comes to domestic flights, there is a specific ban on smoking in cockpits. This means that smoking is prohibited in the cockpit area of an aircraft during domestic flights within China. This ban is likely in place to ensure the health and safety of the flight crew and passengers, as second-hand smoke can be detrimental to health.
The Civil Aviation Administration has implemented rules prohibiting smoking in civil airports and civil aircraft, which includes domestic flights. These rules are in place to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers and crew members, as well as to comply with international standards and regulations regarding smoke-free environments.
While smoking is a common practice in China, the government and aviation authorities have taken steps to restrict it in specific areas, including airports and aircraft cockpits during domestic flights. These measures are essential to protect public health and ensure compliance with international standards, even though the enforcement of smoking bans may vary across different regions in China.
It is important for travellers to be aware of these smoking restrictions when visiting or transiting through China's airports. While there may be designated smoking areas available outside terminals or in specific lounges, the availability of these areas can vary across different airports. Additionally, the ban on lighters in airports adds another layer of consideration for smokers, who may need to rely on alternative methods like wall-mounted lighters. Understanding and adhering to these regulations are crucial for travellers to navigate the smoking landscape within China's airports and during domestic flights.
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There is no visa requirement to exit the airport for a cigarette
While smoking is prevalent in China, with the country being the world's largest consumer and producer of tobacco, there are many rules and regulations surrounding it. There is a ban on smoking in certain public places, including indoor workplaces, public transport, and airports.
If you are transiting through a Chinese airport, you will not be able to smoke airside, and there is a ban on lighters in all Chinese airports. However, some airports have smoking rooms airside, and others allow smoking outside the terminal. For example, Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has a smoking room in Terminal 1 Domestic, and Beijing Capital Airport has allowed passengers to exit the airport for a cigarette.
If you wish to exit the airport for a cigarette, you will need to go through immigration, and there is no guarantee that you will be allowed back in without the appropriate visa. One source states that you would need a 24hr-TWOV to leave the airport, which would require 1-2 hours of queuing. However, another source states that a sympathetic immigration officer may allow you to exit the airport without a visa, although this is a risk, and you may be asked for money to be let back in. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to try to exit the airport without a visa, especially in China, where the Chinese Civil Aviation Authority is strict about enforcing the ban on bringing lighters into the country.
Overall, while there is no visa requirement to exit the airport for a cigarette, it is not advisable to do so due to the potential risks and time involved. It may be better to take advantage of any smoking rooms available airside or wait until you have cleared immigration and can smoke outside the terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
No, smoking is prohibited inside the airport terminals in China. However, smoking is allowed in the toilets.
Yes, but you would need a 24hr-TWOV to leave the airport, which would take between 1-2 hours of queuing.
No, China has enforced a smoking ban on domestic flights. However, smoking is still permitted for pilots on international flights.
Yes, there are smoking lounges available in some airports in China. For example, HKG has multiple smoking rooms available in departures.























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