The 8 holiday hotspots beloved by Brits where booze might actually kill you

Travel warnings for methanol poisoning have been extended to eight new countries following a rise in cases of death and serious illness.

The news follows an increase in cases of serious illness and death caused by alcoholic drinks tainted with methanol in popular overseas destinations.

Fatalities have included that of Simone White in November 2024 - she was one of at least six tourists who died from suspected methanol poisoning in the backpacker town of Vang Vueg in central Laos. The 28-year-old British holidaymaker died following a night of drinking methanol-tainted shots at the Nana Backpackers Hostel.

Surprisingly, the expanded list includes some of the world's most popular and trendiest destinations. In addition to Japan, there are at least seven new destinations on the list where incidents have been reported.

Tasteless and odourlous, even small amounts of methanol can cause death or blindness within hours of consuming it. The industrial alcohol distilled from wood is impossible to detect and commonly found in antifreeze, paint thinners, and fuel. In some countries overseas, it is illegally mixed with spirit-based drinks and cocktails to cut costs.

Even small amounts of methanol can cause blindness or death within hours of consuming it.

As well as watching out for signs of alcohol poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion, British nationals are advised to purchase sealed drinks from licensed establishments and to avoid homemade alcohol. In addition, travellers are advised to be particularly cautious of pre-mixed spirits, cocktails, and drinks served in buckets or jugs.

Countries already on the list included Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. Following engagement with Parliamentarians, the updated list covers:

• Ecuador
• Kenya
• Japan
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• Peru
• Uganda
• Russia

In the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's (FCDO) "Know the Signs of Methanol Poisoning" campaign, travellers are warned "it only takes a small amount of methanol to rapidly cause serious illness". Symptoms include dizziness, vertigo, and amnesia, and these can appear just 12-24 hours after ingestion.

The NHS Trust's Leeds Teaching Hospitals states, "methanol is directly toxic due to its suppressive effect on the central nervous system." Essentially, when methanol is processed in the body, an enzyme first converts it to formaldehyde and then to formic acid. Methanol poisoning can cause visual disturbance, and as little as 4mL has been reported to cause blindness.

The Minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, Hamish Falconer, 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."