The deadly risks of methanol poisoning are back in the spotlight following a string of tragic incidents involving travellers in Turkey and Southeast Asia.
In December 2024, a British national lost their life in Vietnam after unknowingly consuming homemade limoncello laced with methanol. Just weeks earlier, six tourists – including individuals from Australia, Denmark, the UK, and the US – died in Laos after drinking methanol-contaminated alcohol at a hostel in Vang Vieng. And in January 2025, more than 30 people in Turkey tragically died after consuming tainted alcohol.
“Travellers often focus on avoiding obvious dangers, like motorbike accidents or food poisoning, but the risk of tampered alcohol can be much harder to spot,” says Kate Fitzpatrick, Security Director EMEA at World Travel Protection, a global leader in travel risk management.
Methanol poisoning is an invisible threat, frequently linked to black-market or home-distilled alcohol. Once consumed, it can cause serious illness and even death. “We’ve seen a surge in assistance calls related to this issue,” Fitzpatrick adds. “It’s a stark reminder that vigilance is crucial, no matter your destination.”
10 Ways to Lower Your Risk of Methanol Poisoning While Travelling
Fitzpatrick shares her top tips to help travellers stay safe:
- Stick to Reputable Establishments: Only purchase alcohol from reputable places – not from street vendors or market stalls – and when drinking, stick to well-established bars or hotels.
- Go for Tamper-Proof Drinks: Pick drinks where you can see the bartender open a sealed bottle, such as a beer or a new bottle of wine, which are harder to tamper with than spirits or beer on tap. If a drink tastes unusual or the setting doesn’t feel right, don’t drink it.
- Don’t Drink Home-made or Bootleg Alcohol. Steer clear of unsealed or home-distilled spirits. Fitzpatrick notes that bootleg alcohol is often linked to organised crime, making it both illegal and highly dangerous.
- Beware of Cheap Drinks: A suspiciously low price could signal tampered alcohol. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Know the standard prices and avoid overly cheap deals or happy hours in unfamiliar settings.
- Avoid Unfamiliar Brands: Unbranded or obscure alcoholic products can be risky. Stick to well-known brands and avoid homemade or locally distilled spirits unless you’re confident in their source.
- Inspect Your Drink: Methanol is odourless and tasteless, but if your drink tastes unusual or smells odd, don’t take the risk.
- Stay Alert: Never leave your drink unattended and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Drink spiking remains a significant and dangerous issue worldwide, with potentially life-threatening consequences.
- Know the Symptoms: Early signs of methanol poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and blurry vision. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms after consuming alcohol, seek immediate medical attention.
- Drink in Moderation: Excessive drinking lowers judgment, increasing the likelihood of consuming unsafe beverages. Know your limits and pace yourself.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check travel advisories for your destination. Government websites also often provide updated information on local health and safety concerns.
“This is a life-threatening issue, and awareness is key,” Fitzpatrick said: “Younger travellers, in particular, may try to cut costs or take unnecessary risks, but this advice applies to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Being vigilant can literally save lives.”
World Travel Protection equips travellers with real-time alerts and safety updates through its Travel Assist app, drawing on government advisories, global news, and local intelligence. “Education and preparation are your best defences,” Fitzpatrick says. “Forewarned is forearmed.”