New warnings have been issued for several popular destinations, including Morocco, India and Jordan. The move by the FCDO, which comes as part of a wider awareness campaign, follows a global increase in the number of reported cases of methanol poisoning.
Other countries with newly added warnings include Bangladesh, Iran, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Rwanda. These updates follow a number of warnings added in October, including for Mexico, Japan and Peru.
Methanol is an industrial alcohol found in products like anti-freeze and paint thinner. In some countries, it is illegally mixed into spirit-based drinks to cut costs. Even small amounts can cause blindness or death within 12-48 hours. Methanol is tasteless and odourless, making it impossible to detect.
The Foreign Office’s “Know the Signs of Methanol Poisoning” campaign offers practical advice on recognising symptoms and reducing risks. Travellers can read detailed guidance on the Travel Aware website.
The update follows the deaths of six tourists in Laos last year. Among them was 28-year-old Simone White, whose mother Sue – a Go Travel agent – has campaigned to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking unlicensed alcohol overseas. Simone died on 21 November 2024.
Go Travel agent Sue White with her daughter Simone (Credit: Sue White)
A Facebook group has been set up by Simone White’s family and friends to raise awareness of methanol poising.
There are also two active petitions on the issue – a national one for the UK government entitled: “Put the dangers of methanol poisoning on the school curriculum”, as well as a global one.
'Preventable tragedies'
FCDO minister responsible for consular and crisis, Hamish Falconer, said: “We want everyone heading abroad to know the signs of methanol poisoning so you can stay safe and enjoy your trip.
“Sadly, some British nationals have died or been left with life-changing injuries because of drinks contaminated with methanol. By changing our travel advice, sharing these warnings and stories, we hope to help in preventing more tragedies.
“If you’re drinking spirits overseas, stick to trusted places and avoid homemade alcohol or free shots. If something feels off, like a hangover that’s way worse than normal or vision problems - get medical help fast.”
The Foreign Office is working with travel companies so they can pass advice to their customers, partnering with youth influencers to reach younger travellers on the platforms they use most, and has produced QR codes for use on posters.
Brits who choose to drink spirits while abroad are advised to stick to sealed drinks from licensed venues, avoid homemade alcohol, and be especially cautious with free shot offers or pre-mixed cocktails served in buckets or jugs.
The FCDO is running a methanol poisoning campaign (Credit: Foreign Office)
While some early symptoms – like vomiting – can seem like a bad hangover, the FCDO recommends travellers watch out for a hangover that feels worse than it should be, as well as distinctive symptoms such as vision problems.
Anyone who suspects methanol poisoning – whether for themselves, a friend, or a family member – should seek emergency medical help immediately.
The FCDO has added methanol poisoning guidance to its travel advice pages for the following countries: Brazil, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda and Vietnam.
Inspired by Sue White's campaigning, the team at Yorkshire agency Olive Lounge Travel created their own methanol poisoning awareness leaflets to hand out to clients.
Simone's brother Zak White spoke to BBC News this week, reporting their family remains frustrated with the lack of information from Laos.
“I think we've perhaps accepted we're not going to get answers, but that shouldn't be the case,” Zak told BBC News.
“There's been no justice at all, really.
“We just want to know what's going on.”
Speaking about Simone, he said: “She always wanted the best for me. She was really kind and caring and she always stood up for what she believed in,” he says.
“Every day is really hard and challenging without her. People say it gets better with time, but it doesn't really.
“Just great sadness she's not here any more.”
For further information on methanol symptoms and prevention, visit the Travel Aware website or check individual country travel advice pages on gov.uk
