The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a warning to Brits planning to travel abroad, urging them to “seek urgent medical help” if they experience any symptoms of methanol poisoning.

The FCDO’s role includes providing up-to-date information to ensure the safety of UK nationals travelling overseas.

A recent alert posted on X, previously Twitter, on Monday reads: “It only takes a small amount of methanol to rapidly cause serious illness or death. Symptoms like dizziness, vertigo and amnesia can develop 12-24 hours after ingestion.

“If you suspect methanol poisoning, seek urgent medical help.”

On its website, the FCDO further explains that while it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of methanol poisoning when consuming alcohol abroad, “travellers can take steps to minimise the risk”.

The advice includes purchasing sealed or bottled drinks from licenced establishments, avoiding street-side or homemade alcohol, and exercising caution when consuming pre-mixed, spirit-based drinks, such as cocktails, shots or drinks served in “buckets” or jugs.

Holidaymakers should also familiarise themselves with the symptoms of methanol poisoning, which can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion, followed by blurred vision, blindness or difficulty breathing within 12-48 hours.

Urgent medical attention should be sought if you or someone you are travelling with exhibits signs of methanol poisoning after drinking.

The FCD) currently provides advice on methanol poisoning for the following countries: Brazil, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Rwanda, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, and Vietnam.

However, before travelling to any country you should check the FCDO website for its latest guidance.