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The UK Foreign Office has expanded its list of ‘danger’ countries were people are at serious risk after a spate of poisonings. A further 11 countries, cautioning travellers about the dangers of methanol poisoning from contaminated alcoholic beverages.
The revised travel advice now encompasses Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda after “a global increase in the number of reported cases” of methanol poisoning.
Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda were incorporated into the existing list last month, after several high-profile incidents including the deaths of six tourists in Laos in 2024.
Holidaymakers are being cautioned that even minimal quantities of methanol can result in blindness or death within 12 to 48 hours.
Methanol is a poisonous industrial alcohol found in antifreeze, windscreen washer fluid and paint thinner. It is not intended for human consumption.
Whilst it occurs naturally during alcoholic beverage production, commercial manufacturers reduce it to minimal, safe concentrations for human consumption through distillation.
However, in certain countries, it is unlawfully added to alcoholic drinks to reduce expenses, and because it has no taste or smell, it cannot be identified.
Simone White was 28 years old when she died in November after drinking free shots at a hostel bar in Laos, south-east Asia. The lawyer from south-east London had been travelling with her friend Bethany Clarke, who was also admitted to hospital with methanol poisoning but survived.
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott argued that methanol poisoning is “a huge danger but barely any of us know about it”. The other victims of suspected methanol poisoning included two Australians, two Danish women and an American.
The Foreign Office is conducting a campaign to provide guidance on minimising risks and identifying symptoms of methanol poisoning.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer stated that all travellers should recognise the warning signs of methanol poisoning. “If you’re drinking spirits overseas, stick to trusted places and avoid homemade alcohol or free shots,” advised Falconer.
“If something feels off, like a hangover that’s way worse than normal or vision problems – get medical help fast.”
The complete list of countries identified as potential methanol poisoning risks includes: Brazil, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam.
