Daily Pouch Travel: France

Paris Syndrome is a rare but fascinating psychological condition that predominantly affects Japanese tourists visiting the French capital. In essence, it’s an extreme form of culture shock where idyllic or romanticised visions of Paris are shattered by the grim reality of filthy streets, chaotic crowds, crime, price-gouging, and perhaps realising how small the Mona Lisa is in person.

Well, nicotine pouch users are set to experience their own version of this rare condition if they travel to France for their holidays. Instead of popping a pouch and soaking up the spirit of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, they could be chucked in jail for 5 years and fined €375,000 thanks to strange new regulations.

Pouch ban in France

France is just behind Spain as the UK citizens’ favourite holiday destination. In a survey last year, 34% of UK holidaymakers reported planning to visit the historic Republic with Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, Provence, and Côte d’Azur the most popular destinations.

However, a small portion of the estimated 13 million British holidaymakers headed to France this year face an imposition on their liberty thanks to measures introduced in February this year that not just ban nicotine pouches but also criminalise their possession.

In October 2024, Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq wheeled out the WHO talking points about pouches, decrying their high nicotine content and claims that they are marketed to kids.

We hear a lot about this marketing to kids. However, we almost never see evidence of it. In fact, per the Eurobaromter report last year, three-quarters of 15-24-year-olds say they’ve never seen an advertisement or promotion for nicotine pouches. Indeed, just 3% say they see these ads “often”.

Where a reasonable government might have regulated pouches, the French government went for an outright ban. That lack of imagination was shocking, but what followed was even worse, as the government laid out its draconian measures to enforce the ban that include a maximum jail time of five years and €375,000.

How will enforcement of the French nicotine pouch ban really work?

The absurd fines and prison times being floated are terrifying. However, it’s worth running a few scenarios to see how these penalties could affect British citizens hoping to enjoy everything that France has to offer.

Scenario 1: Possession for personal use

Under Article 222-37 of the French Public Health Code, personal possession of nicotine pouches is classified as a criminal offense. However, if we look at the historical data for drug enforcement in France, first time offenders typically face fines rather than a prison sentence.

For example, possession of cannabis typically receives a €200 fixed fine with only 2% of offenders getting a custodial sentence.

Scenario 2: Cross-Border Transportation

Transporting nicotine pouches through French territory also violates the ban. Enforcement agencies, such as the customs, police, etc., have broad authority to detain individuals under Notification 2025/0110/FR even if the pouches are moving from one country where they are legal to another country where they are also legal.

If you’re caught transporting pouches through France, these goods will most likely be seized. From there, fines are possible, but much depends on the quantities involved.

Scenario 3: Commercial Distribution or Intent to Supply

Supplying nicotine to French citizens could be treated as drug trafficking, despite pouches being non-narcotic. These kinds of offences carry penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment and €7.5 million fines, in line with how cocaine and heroin distribution is dealt with. However, it’s most likely that the upper bounds of the new regulation will be reserved for these kinds of operations.

What countries to visit instead?

We at the Daily Pouch would like to encourage nicotine consumers to vote with their feet and stick two fingers up to Monsieur Macron, although to be frank at this point he is probably more scared of his wife.

Three nights in Paris staying in decent but not luxury hotels, seeing sights, and eating out is going to come to around £1,000 to £1200 at least for a couple. We’d like to encourage you to exclusively holiday in places where we feel welcome. So what are your options for a holiday where using pouches won’t get you Banged Up Abroad™

1# Gotland, Sweden

Forget Paris. Skip Tuscany. If you want true European romance, grit, and a mouthful of freedom, head to Gotland, Sweden’s sunniest island and the spiritual home of snus. Picture cobbled streets, medieval ruins, and the subtle bulge of a portion pouch tucked lovingly under every local’s lip. While the EU bans this smokeless saviour across the continent, Gotlanders carry on with puckered pride, thumbing their noses at Brussels as they ride off on bicycles fuelled by nicotine and national stubbornness. Come for the herring, stay for the snus, just don’t try taking any to France unless you fancy a brush with border control.

2# Bucharest

Romania’s permissive nicotine pouch regulations aren’t the only beautiful thing about Bucharest. It has Parisian-style boulevards, an outstanding cafe culture, stunning architecture and an impressive food scene, making it a perfect place for a city break.

3# Budapest

Great nightlife, a bustling culinary scene, and the overall affordability are some of the best reasons to visit Budapest. But for Joseph Hart, one of our regular contributors, popping a pouch and checking out the local architecture is why he’ll  always remember the Hungarian capital.

Final thoughts

We don’t know about you, but our idea of a relaxing break doesn’t involve looking over our shoulders for fear of being fined and arrested because we love nicotine. France’s new insane and unreasonable pouch legislation has made it a hostile destination for pouchers, lowering the appeal of this popular holiday spot.

Assault, burglary, sexual harassment, and driving without a license all come with lower punishment. That’s a pretty weird message to send.