The UK Foreign Office has extended its list of 'danger' countries where travellers face serious risk following a series of poisonings. An additional 11 nations have been added to the warning list, alerting holidaymakers to the hazards of methanol poisoning from tainted alcoholic drinks.
The updated travel guidance now includes Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda following "a global increase in the number of reported cases" of methanol poisoning.
Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda were added to the existing list last month, following several high-profile incidents including the deaths of six tourists in Laos in 2024.
Travellers are being warned that even small amounts of methanol can cause blindness or death within 12 to 48 hours.
Methanol is a toxic industrial alcohol present in antifreeze, windscreen washer fluid and paint thinner. It is not suitable for human consumption.
While it forms naturally during the production of alcoholic beverages, commercial producers reduce it to minimal, safe levels for human consumption through distillation.
However, in some countries, it is illegally added to alcoholic drinks to cut costs, and because it has no taste or smell, it cannot be detected. Simone White, a 28 year old lawyer from south-east London, tragically lost her life in November after consuming complimentary shots at a hostel bar in Laos, south-east Asia.
She had been travelling with her friend Bethany Clarke, who was also hospitalised with methanol poisoning but fortunately survived.
Shadow education secretary Laura Trott has highlighted that methanol poisoning represents "a huge danger but barely any of us know about it". The incident also claimed the lives of two Australians, two Danish women and an American, all suspected victims of methanol poisoning.
The Foreign Office has launched a campaign offering guidance on reducing risks and recognising symptoms of methanol poisoning.
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer emphasised that all travellers must be aware of the warning signs. "If you're drinking spirits overseas, stick to trusted places and avoid homemade alcohol or free shots," Falconer advised.
"If something feels off, like a hangover that's way worse than normal or vision problems - get medical help fast."
The comprehensive list of countries flagged as potential methanol poisoning risks includes:
