The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance to caution visitors about the danger of methanol poisoning from counterfeit or contaminated alcoholic beverages in Nigeria and seven additional countries.
Alongside Nigeria, the advisory lists Ecuador, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Russia, Uganda, and Kenya—locations where British nationals have reportedly encountered incidents linked to unsafe alcohol.
These countries join previously listed destinations such as Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji. The expanded warning follows multiple high-profile cases, including the deaths of six tourists in Laos last year attributed to toxic drinks.
British travellers are being urged to remain alert to symptoms of methanol poisoning, which can include blurred vision, disorientation, nausea and vomiting. Severe cases can result in permanent injury or death.
Methanol—commonly used in products like antifreeze and windshield-cleaning fluids—is extremely dangerous if consumed. The Foreign Office notes that some illicit sellers dilute or substitute proper alcohol with methanol to increase profits, while certain bars and street vendors may use tainted spirits to reduce costs.
To reduce risk, the advisory recommends that visitors only purchase sealed beverages from licensed venues, avoid homemade brews, and be cautious with pre-mixed cocktails or drinks served in large containers such as buckets or jugs.
Travellers who suspect they or others have been exposed to toxic alcohol should seek urgent medical help.
