India Unites Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Iran, Jordan, Malawi, Morocco and More as UK Foreign Office Added New Countries In the List of Travel Warning That Loved by Brits, Here Is All You Need To Know

Published on November 19, 2025

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has expanded its methanol poisoning advisory to include 11 new countries that are popular among British tourists. These countries—Bangladesh, India, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Rwanda—have seen rising incidents of methanol poisoning, a dangerous and sometimes deadly condition caused by the consumption of alcohol contaminated with industrial-grade methanol. This development is crucial for travelers planning to visit these destinations, as methanol poisoning can often go undetected until it’s too late, making it essential for tourists to be aware of the risks.

Methanol is a toxic substance commonly used in antifreeze and paint thinners. When it’s mixed illegally into alcoholic drinks—often to cut costs in tourist areas—it can have fatal consequences. What makes methanol poisoning especially dangerous is that the substance is both tasteless and odorless, meaning it can be consumed unknowingly by tourists. Even small amounts can lead to blindness or death within 12 to 48 hours, making it crucial for travelers to take precautions and seek immediate medical help if they suspect poisoning.

Methanol Poisoning: Symptoms and Prevention Tips for Travelers

The FCDO is urging British nationals to be extra cautious when consuming alcoholic drinks, particularly those from non-licensed or homemade sources. Methanol poisoning is often difficult to detect in its early stages, as the symptoms can initially mimic those of alcohol poisoning, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and confusion. However, as methanol poisoning progresses, distinctive symptoms such as blurred vision and eye pain can develop within 12 to 48 hours. Immediate medical attention is critical for those showing signs of methanol poisoning, as the condition can be fatal if left untreated.

To minimize the risk of methanol poisoning, travelers are advised to:

• Purchase drinks only from licensed establishments: Always opt for sealed and commercially available beverages in reputable bars and restaurants.
• Avoid homemade alcohol: Homemade alcohol, including pre-mixed cocktails or drinks served in jugs or buckets, is more likely to contain methanol.
• Stay cautious with spirit-based drinks: Be especially careful with cheap cocktails and any drinks served in unbranded containers.
• Watch for symptoms: If you begin feeling unusually ill after consuming alcohol—especially if you experience blurred vision or severe dizziness—seek medical attention immediately.

Countries at Risk: 11 New Additions to the Methanol Poisoning Warning List

The FCDO’s updated travel advisory now includes 11 additional countries, bringing the total to 28. This increase reflects growing concerns over incidents of methanol poisoning that have affected both locals and tourists in these regions.

The newly added countries are:

• Bangladesh
• India
• Iran
• Jordan
• Libya
• Malawi
• Malaysia
• Morocco
• Nepal
• Papua New Guinea
• Rwanda

These countries are known for their vibrant tourist industries, drawing thousands of British nationals annually. However, travelers should be aware of the potential health risks associated with consuming alcoholic beverages in unregulated areas.

Existing Countries Already on the Methanol Poisoning Warning List

In addition to the new countries added, the FCDO has already been warning about methanol poisoning in several other popular tourist destinations. These countries include:

• Brazil
• Cambodia
• Costa Rica
• Ecuador
• Fiji
• Indonesia
• Japan
• Kenya
• Laos
• Mexico
• Nigeria
• Peru
• Russia
• Thailand
• Turkey
• Uganda
• Vietnam

These regions, while beloved by travelers, have also seen methanol-related health incidents, prompting the Foreign Office to extend its advisory for greater awareness. British nationals are urged to follow safety guidelines when traveling to any of these countries, particularly those where the alcohol market may be unregulated or where illegal practices are common.

What This Means for Tourists and Business Travelers

For tourists, this heightened warning adds an additional layer of caution when choosing where and what to drink abroad. The rise in methanol poisoning incidents in certain holiday hotspots can lead to health emergencies that could impact travel plans.

Business travelers visiting countries on the list should also be aware of the potential risks. While the advisory primarily targets tourists, it’s crucial for those traveling on work assignments in these countries to take necessary precautions when attending social events or business dinners where alcohol may be served.

Quick Tips for Travelers:

1. Stick to trusted establishments: Only consume alcohol at reputable, licensed locations, and avoid homemade or locally made spirits.
2. Be cautious with cheap alcohol: Watch out for suspiciously low-cost alcoholic drinks, especially cocktails and bulk-served drinks.
3. Know the symptoms: If you feel unwell after drinking, particularly with vision problems or dizziness, seek medical attention immediately.
4. Check local guidelines: Before traveling to any of the listed countries, refer to official travel advice on the FCDO website for the latest warnings and health recommendations.
5. Use bottled water: Where possible, choose bottled water and sealed beverages over drinks served in open containers or unknown sources.

Key Points to Remember

• Methanol poisoning is a serious risk in countries with unregulated alcohol production.
• The FCDO has added 11 new countries to its methanol poisoning warning list, including popular destinations like India, Morocco, and Malaysia.
• Symptoms of methanol poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and blurred vision—seek medical help immediately if these symptoms appear.
• Travelers are advised to purchase drinks from licensed vendors and avoid homemade alcohol to prevent accidental poisoning.
• The warning affects both tourists and business travelers, who should take extra precautions when attending events or social gatherings abroad.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated