Mexico Joins Japan, Morocco, Kenya, Jordan, Iran, And More As Canada, US, And UK Issues Urgent Travel Warning Following Increased Methanol Poisoning Incidents: Everything You Need To Know

Published on November 21, 2025

Mexico has now joined Iran, Japan, Morocco, Kenya, Jordan, and several other countries as destinations under urgent travel advisories issued by Canada, the US, and the UK, due to the increasing threat of methanol poisoning in alcoholic beverages. This dangerous trend follows a series of poisoning incidents in popular tourist areas, where tourists have unknowingly consumed alcohol contaminated with methanol, leading to severe health risks and fatalities. As methanol poisoning continues to be a global issue, travelers are urged to take extra precautions when consuming alcohol in these high-risk regions.

As travelers increasingly seek adventure and relaxation in destinations around the world, a rising threat has emerged in the form of methanol poisoning from contaminated alcoholic beverages. This silent danger has led to severe health consequences, including deaths and permanent damage, drawing attention from health authorities and governments. Recently, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), along with Canada and the U.S., issued urgent travel advisories highlighting this growing risk across 11 countries. Among the affected nations, Mexico has now been added to the list, joining Iran, Japan, Morocco, Kenya, Jordan, and more as destinations where tourists must exercise caution when consuming alcoholic drinks.

The Global Methanol Poisoning Crisis

Methanol, a toxic alcohol, has been illegally used in some regions as a substitute for ethanol in alcoholic beverages, posing a significant health risk to unsuspecting tourists. While methanol is colorless, odorless, and often indistinguishable from ethanol (the safe alcohol), even small amounts can cause serious harm. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, and in severe cases, blindness or death. As methanol poisoning is often not immediately noticeable, its detection can be delayed, making it a silent and dangerous threat for those unaware of its risks.

The FCDO’s warning came after several mass poisoning incidents in popular tourist hotspots, one of the most notable being a 2024 tragedy at a hostel in Vang Vieng, Laos, where six foreign tourists died after consuming methanol-tainted alcohol. This incident has prompted authorities to issue updated advisories for countries with high incidents of such poisoning.

Countries on the Methanol Poisoning Watchlist

The list of countries with an increased risk of methanol poisoning includes several popular tourist destinations where alcohol consumption is a regular part of local culture. Among these nations, Mexico has been newly added to the growing list. Tourists visiting these countries are advised to be cautious of consuming alcohol from unreliable sources, especially in bars or informal settings.

Here’s a table highlighting the countries now under scrutiny due to methanol poisoning concerns:

The History of Methanol Poisoning in Popular Tourist Destinations

The issue of methanol poisoning is not new, with several high-profile cases occurring in well-known tourist spots over the years. Bali, Indonesia, for example, has been a hotspot for methanol-related incidents. In June 2009, several foreign tourists died after consuming “arak,” a local palm liquor contaminated with methanol. Just two years later, Ashley King, a Canadian tourist, lost her eyesight after unknowingly consuming methanol-tainted alcohol in Bali. Despite these incidents, safety measures in some destinations remain inadequate, putting more tourists at risk.

The 2024 incident in Laos, where a group of tourists died from methanol poisoning, has been one of the most significant recent cases. Local authorities in Laos have faced accusations of covering up the true cause of death and deleting negative hotel reviews that warned of the risk of methanol contamination. This alarming event has led to renewed global calls for better regulation and consumer protection regarding alcoholic beverages in tourist destinations.

What Travelers Should Know

While methanol poisoning is often linked to low-quality, illicit alcohol, tourists must remain vigilant even in more established destinations. The U.K., U.S., and Canadian governments have all issued similar warnings, urging travelers to be cautious about where they consume alcohol. Methanol poisoning can be difficult to detect, as it does not have the strong odor of ethanol and is often sold in unsealed bottles or from informal vendors.

Here are some key tips for travelers to protect themselves from methanol poisoning:

• Avoid Unsealed Bottles: Always ensure that the alcohol you drink comes from a sealed, properly labeled bottle, especially in informal settings such as bars or beach parties.
• Be Wary of Cheap Drinks or Free Shots: Cheap liquor or free drinks offered in unregulated venues are more likely to be adulterated with methanol. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Mixed Drinks and Buckets Pose a Risk: These types of drinks, often sold in party destinations, can be high-risk for methanol contamination. It’s safer to opt for canned or bottled beverages.
• Stick to Established Brands: Whenever possible, choose alcohol from well-known, reputable brands, which are less likely to contain dangerous additives like methanol.
• Check the Source: In countries with a known methanol problem, it is important to be aware of where the alcohol is coming from. Avoid consuming alcohol from street vendors or unregulated sources.

Symptoms of Methanol Poisoning

Recognizing the signs of methanol poisoning early can make a significant difference in treatment. Symptoms typically manifest 12 to 24 hours after ingestion, and even a small amount of methanol can lead to severe health issues. The most common symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Headaches
• Blurred Vision or Blindness (in severe cases)
• Confusion and Amnesia

In cases of severe poisoning, methanol can lead to coma or death if not treated promptly. Early medical intervention is crucial. If you suspect methanol poisoning, seek medical attention immediately.

Survivor Stories and Advocacy for Awareness

Ashley King and Bethany Clarke, both survivors of methanol poisoning incidents, have become outspoken advocates for raising awareness about this issue. Clarke’s best friend, Simone White, tragically died in the 2024 Laos poisoning incident, and since then, Clarke has partnered with King to spread the message about the dangers of methanol. Together, they have launched petitions and social media campaigns, urging governments to place more emphasis on informing tourists about methanol risks.

Their efforts have led to calls for mandatory signage in airports, airline briefings, and tourist accommodations, warning travelers of the dangers of methanol poisoning. Their petitions also emphasize the need for better regulatory standards for alcoholic beverages, particularly in tourist-heavy regions where methanol contamination is most prevalent.

Governments Responding to the Threat

In response to the increasing number of methanol poisoning cases, several governments have stepped up their warnings for travelers. The U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) has included methanol poisoning in its travel advisories, adding countries like Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Mexico to its high-risk list. The U.S. and Canadian governments have also followed suit, urging travelers to be aware of the risks associated with alcohol consumption in these destinations.

While some countries have implemented stricter regulations on alcohol production and distribution, much work remains to be done. Many of the most popular tourist destinations still lack effective oversight of the alcohol industry, putting visitors at risk. It is up to travelers to take responsibility for their own safety and make informed decisions about where and what they drink.

Methanol poisoning remains a serious and growing concern for tourists visiting countries around the world. With the addition of Mexico to the FCDO’s list, and the ongoing risks in other high-risk countries like Laos, Kenya, and Morocco, travelers must remain vigilant. Following safety tips, staying informed, and knowing the signs of methanol poisoning can save lives and prevent long-term health consequences.

Mexico has been added to the list of high-risk countries for methanol poisoning, joining Iran, Japan, Morocco, Kenya, and Jordan, as Canada, the US, and the UK issue urgent travel warnings. This comes amid a rise in incidents where tourists have been poisoned by contaminated alcohol in these popular destinations.

Tourists are urged to take necessary precautions when consuming alcohol abroad, especially in informal settings. With increasing awareness and better prevention practices, the global travel community can work together to combat this hidden threat and ensure safer travels for everyone.