What is the danger of methanol poisoning for travelers?

Methanol, a highly toxic substance, is sometimes illegally added to alcoholic drinks abroad, leading to severe, irreversible damage and even death within 48 hours. Symptoms include vomiting, drowsiness, and abdominal pain, which can quickly escalate to blindness and organ failure.

How can travelers protect themselves from methanol poisoning?

Experts advise travelers to drink only from sealed bottles and never leave beverages unattended. They also recommend obtaining comprehensive travel insurance to cover any potential medical emergencies.

Which countries have been affected by methanol poisoning incidents?

The Foreign Office has added 16 countries to its list of methanol warnings, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Fiji, where British nationals have been affected.

Home / Health / Toxic Cocktails Abroad: Methanol Poisoning Risks Soar for Travelers

Toxic Cocktails Abroad: Methanol Poisoning Risks Soar for Travelers

15 Nov

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Summary

Methanol, a toxic substance, is being illegally added to alcoholic drinks abroad
Methanol poisoning can cause blindness, organ failure, and even death within 48 hours
Experts advise travelers to drink only from sealed bottles and get travel insurance

Toxic Cocktails Abroad: Methanol Poisoning Risks Soar for Travelers

As of 2025-11-15T06:28:09+00:00, travel experts are sounding the alarm about the growing threat of methanol poisoning for travelers. Methanol, a clear, flammable liquid found in products like paint and antifreeze, is sometimes illegally added to alcoholic drinks and cocktails in bars abroad to reduce costs. This practice can be extremely dangerous, as even tiny quantities of methanol can cause permanent blindness, organ failure, and death within 48 hours.

According to Alicia Hempsted, a travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, early symptoms of methanol poisoning include vomiting, drowsiness, and abdominal pain, which can quickly escalate to vertigo, difficulty breathing, and blurred vision. Doctors Without Borders reports that thousands of people are poisoned by methanol annually, with fatality rates ranging from 20% to 40%.