The Foreign Office has expanded its methanol poisoning warning list to include eight additional countries as British holidaymakers are cautioned about the lethal dangers of counterfeit alcohol overseas. Ecuador, Kenya, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, and Russia have now been added to destinations where the UK government urges travellers to exercise heightened vigilance – alongside popular backpacking spots Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.

The move comes amid a rise in serious illnesses and fatalities linked to alcoholic beverages contaminated with methanol. One of the most tragic incidents occurred late last year at a hostel in Laos, claiming the lives of six tourists, including 28-year-old solicitor Simone White from Orpington, Kent, reports the Mirror.

A travel specialist has now shared crucial advice for those travelling to these locations on avoiding dangerous alcohol – and the steps to take if exposed.

What is methanol poisoning and how can I recognise it?

Methanol is an industrial alcohol commonly used in antifreeze and paint thinners. It poses severe risks to human health, with even minimal quantities potentially causing death or permanent blindness within hours.

Initial indicators of methanol poisoning may include blurred vision and disorientation. Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance specialist at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Early symptoms can include vomiting and drowsiness but as poisoning worsens, it may lead to abdominal pain, vertigo, difficulty breathing, blurred vision and even blindness.”

In September 2025 alone, an estimated 821 people worldwide were affected by methanol poisoning, with internet searches up 593% since the tragedy in Laos last year. Alicia adds: “Untreated methanol poisoning has a fatality rate of between 20% and 40%. Avoid alcohol if you’re unsure of its source or if it seems unusually cheap or homemade.”

How to stay safe

Methanol cannot be detected by sight or smell when mixed into beverages, making it crucial to purchase only sealed bottles in higher-risk destinations. Alicia explained: “Methanol looks and smells almost identical to regular alcohol, so it can be hard to detect.

“The safest approach is to only drink from sealed bottles, avoid free or unlabelled drinks and to never leave your drink unattended. Methanol poisoning tends to affect you faster and more severely than normal alcohol. If you experience any of the symptoms of methanol poisoning, or suspect you may have consumed it, you must seek immediate medical attention. Treatments can include antidote or dialysis, depending on how advanced the poisoning is.”

Know before you go – and take out travel insurance

Emergency medical care for methanol poisoning could result in hospital charges running into tens of thousands of pounds. Comprehensive travel insurance should be arranged before any overseas trip, regardless of destination or duration.

Travellers should also consult the Foreign Office’s destination guidance to remain informed about the most recent updates. Alicia said: “Unfortunately, even when you take every possible precaution, emergencies can still happen when you’re abroad.

“Travel insurance can provide cover for emergency medical expenses and hospital treatments helping to protect you from financial and additional personal stress if the worst does happen.”

What has the Foreign Office said?

Last month, the Foreign Office revealed the eight additional countries following a passionate campaign by bereaved families who lost relatives to methanol poisoning whilst travelling. They are Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, and Uganda.

Hamish Falconer, minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, said: “Methanol poisoning can kill – it can be difficult to detect when drinking and early symptoms mirror ordinary alcohol poisoning.

“By the time travellers realise the danger, it can be too late. That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention. I encourage all travellers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday.

“No family should endure what the campaigners’ families have suffered. Their determination to prevent others facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in driving forward these vital updates to our travel advice.”