The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits who are planning on heading to a popular European winter holiday spot in the coming weeks, as they could be at risk of hospitalisation or even death
British travellers could be at risk of spending thousands on rescue and medical costs(Image: Getty Images)
British holidaymakers planning their dream winter getaway in the coming weeks face potential hospitalisation or even death, according to Foreign Office warnings. More than 20 million people flock to the European destination each year, with over one million of those being UK travellers.
Renowned for its tranquil landscapes and stunning mountain views, Switzerland remains a favoured destination for those keen on winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. However, the Foreign Office has warned that some Brits may be engaging in ‘risky’ activities that might not be covered by their insurance policies.
Being inadequately prepared could result in serious consequences for both your well-being and your finances, particularly if you haven’t been careful about selecting the right insurance cover for your trip. In certain circumstances, you might find yourself liable for more than £3,000 if you lack proper travel insurance protection, and that’s excluding medical expenses and hospital bills.
Foreign Office guidance warns: “Adventure sports can be risky. British nationals in the Swiss Alps have been involved in accidents and have been hospitalised or died. Check the company you are using is well-established and that your travel insurance covers any specific activity.
“For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example, off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping), you could get into difficulty and need emergency rescue. Adventure sports can be risky. British nationals in the Swiss Alps have been involved in accidents and have been hospitalised or died.
“Check the company you are using is well-established and that your travel insurance covers any specific activity. For sports activities like skiing, potholing and mountaineering, and for sports classed as particularly dangerous (for example, off-piste skiing, mountain biking, climbing, paragliding or BASE jumping), you could get into difficulty and need emergency rescue.”
Making sure you’ve got the right cover for your winter holiday
If you’re planning a trip to a ski resort this winter, it’s crucial to make sure any activities you intend to participate in are covered by your travel insurance. When sorting out your policy, ensure you’re fully clued up on any exclusions included in the policy and when you won’t be protected.
It’s also vital to consider medical costs, and when your insurance policy will foot the bill for you, especially if you plan on using rental gear, as this likely won’t be covered. Moreover, those hitting the slopes off-piste without a guide may not typically be covered by their insurance.
According to SOS 144, a helicopter rescue in the Swiss Alps can cost as much as 3,500 CHF (£3,293).
Travel may be disrupted across a destination popular with Brits(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has changed its travel guidance for a destination popular with British travellers. People are being warned airports and other transport operators could be affected amid industrial action.
In a new alert on Wednesday, November 19, the FCDO said: “Strikes are planned for Monday 24, Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 November. This is expected to affect airports, public transport and some public services, including schools.
“Public transport will be affected from 10pm on Sunday 23 November. A demonstration is planned for central Brussels on Wednesday 26 November. Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause travel disruption.
“General strikes took place on 31 March, 29 April and 14 October. Strike action may be announced at short notice. Monitor local news and check with your provider regarding potential delays and closures.”
Hundreds of thousands of people from the UK travel to Belgium each year. Further FCDO advice reads: “Strike action is an ongoing issue that can cause severe travel disruption across the country and affect international travel.
“For regular updates on any disruption, check local news and follow advice given by your travel provider.”
According to The Bulletin, this industrial action is “the latest and largest in a series of actions in response to the new federal government’s planned austerity measures, which unions say threaten Belgium’s social safety net”. Action will begin with a 72-hour rail transport strike, commencing at 11pm on November 23.
On 25 November, the movement “will spread to public administrations: municipalities, hospitals, administrative services, as well as the education sector, which has been invited to join the strike”.
The Foreign Office put out a ‘serious illness’ alert on Tuesday
People have been warned(Image: Jackyenjoyphotography via Getty Images)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued an urgent warning for Brits travelling to a hugely popular holiday destination. Nearly a million UK visitors are thought to travel to India each year, and on Tuesday, November 18, the FCDO updated its travel advice for those heading to the South Asian country.
Those travelling to India are now being cautioned: “There has been an increase in cases of serious illness caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol in popular travel destinations around the world. Even small amounts of methanol can kill. It is not possible to identify methanol in alcoholic drinks by taste or smell.”
Additional guidance on the Government’s Travel Aware website states: “Methanol is toxic even in small amounts. It is an industrial alcohol made from distilling wood and can be found in many commercial products, like antifreeze, fuel and paint thinners. In some parts of the world methanol products are sometimes illegally mixed with ‘real’ alcohol such as spirit-based drinks and cocktails.”
Identifying methanol poisoning can prove challenging as initial symptoms mirror those of regular alcohol consumption. However, early warning signs include vomiting, impaired judgement, loss of balance and drowsiness.
Between 12 and 48 hours after having a drink, you might experience symptoms such as stomach pain, dizziness, rapid breathing, shortness of breath, blurred vision or even blindness, falling into a coma, or having seizures. If you or anyone you’re travelling with starts to show any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical help.
According to Government advice, problems with your sight are a major warning sign and can also occur 12-48 hours after your first drink. Methanol poisoning can lead to blurry vision, difficulty looking at bright lights, and in some cases, total loss of sight.
If you start seeing “snowfield vision” (like the snowy static on an old telly) or tunnel vision, it’s vital to get urgent medical assistance.
Other countries where the FCDO has issued warnings about methanol poisoning are Ecuador, Kenya, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, Russia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos and Fiji.
The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Brits travelling to eight new countries after a number of recent cases of methanol poisoning were reported
It’s important to exercise caution when drinking alcoholic beverages in bars(Image: KALA STUDIO via Getty Images)
Travellers are being urged to exercise extra caution while on holiday amid rising concerns about poisoning cases. Experts at MoneySuperMarket have issued new advice following the Foreign Office’s addition of eight more countries to its list of methanol warnings just last month.
Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, is a clear, flammable liquid present in products like paint and antifreeze. However, it is sometimes also illegally added to alcoholic drinks and cocktails in bars to cut costs. This practice can be extremely dangerous, as even tiny quantities can cause severe, irreversible damage — including blindness or death — within 48 hours.
Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, explained: “Methanol is a type of alcohol often used in antifreeze and windshield washer fluid and is highly toxic if consumed. Early symptoms can include vomiting and drowsiness but as poisoning worsens, it may lead to abdominal pain, vertigo, difficulty breathing, blurred vision and even blindness.”
Doctors Without Borders reports that thousands of people are poisoned by methanol annually. Fatality rates often range from 20% to 40%, depending on the concentration and the amount ingested.
In light of this, Ms Hempsted said the ‘safest approach’ would be to drink from sealed bottles when abroad and never leave beverages unattended. She also urged travellers to take out travel insurance to provide cover for any possible medical emergencies.
Ms Hempsted said: “Unfortunately, even when you take every possible precaution, emergencies can still happen when you’re abroad. Travel insurance can provide cover for emergency medical expenses and hospital treatments helping to protect you from financial and additional personal stress if the worst does happen.”
She also added: “If you experience any of the symptoms of methanol poisoning, or suspect you may have consumed it, you must seek immediate medical attention. Treatments can include an antidote or dialysis, depending on how advanced the poisoning is.”
Where are the eight new warnings about methanol poisoning?
In October, the Foreign Office added new guidance on methanol poisoning to the travel pages for eight countries. This included:
Ecuador
Kenya
Japan
Mexico
Nigeria
Peru
Uganda
Russia
Previously, the Foreign Office only issued guidance on methanol poisoning in countries where British nationals had been affected. These countries include Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Fiji.
According to a previous Mirror report, Hamish Falconer, the minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, said in October: “Methanol poisoning can kill – it can be difficult to detect when drinking and early symptoms mirror ordinary alcohol poisoning. By the time travellers realise the danger, it can be too late.
“That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention. I encourage all travellers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday.
“No family should endure what the campaigners’ families have suffered. Their determination to prevent others facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in driving forward these vital updates to our travel advice.”
Check if your holiday destination is affected after eight new countries were added to the Foreign Office’s methanol poisoning list following a wave of tragic deaths
Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas News Reporter
14:48, 12 Nov 2025Updated 14:51, 12 Nov 2025
A travel expert has offered her top tips on how to stay safe from methanol poisoning(Image: Getty Images)
Ecuador, Kenya, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Uganda, and Russia are now on the list of destinations where the UK government advises travellers take extra care – in addition to backpacker favourites Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. It follows an increase in cases of serious illness and deaths caused by alcoholic drinks tainted with methanol.
Among the most memorable is the hostel horror late last year which killed six tourists in Laos, including 28-year-old lawyer Simone White from Orpington, Kent. Now, a travel expert has offered her top tips to anyone heading to these destinations on how to stay safe and avoid illicit alcohol – as well as what you should do if you end up drinking it.
What is methanol poisoning and how do I know if I’ve got it?
Methanol is a type of industrial alcohol that can be found in antifreeze and paint thinners. It is very harmful to humans, and drinking even small amounts can leave victims dead or permanently blinded within hours.
Early signs of methanol poisoning can include blurry vision and confusion. Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, explained: “Early symptoms can include vomiting and drowsiness but as poisoning worsens, it may lead to abdominal pain, vertigo, difficulty breathing, blurred vision and even blindness.”
In September 2025 alone, an estimated 821 people worldwide were affected by methanol poisoning”, with internet searches up 593% since the tragedy in Laos last year. Alicia adds: “Untreated methanol poisoning has a fatality rate of between 20% and 40%.3 Avoid alcohol if you’re unsure of its source or if it seems unusually cheap or homemade.”
How to stay safe
You can’t see or smell methanol if it’s in your drink, meaning it’s best to stick to sealed bottles in high risk areas. Alicia said: “Methanol looks and smells almost identical to regular alcohol, so it can be hard to detect.
“The safest approach is to only drink from sealed bottles, avoid free or unlabelled drinks and to never leave your drink unattended. Methanol poisoning tends to affect you faster and more severely than normal alcohol.
“If you experience any of the symptoms of methanol poisoning, or suspect you may have consumed it, you must seek immediate medical attention. Treatments can include antidote or dialysis, depending on how advanced the poisoning is.”
Know before you go – and take out travel insurance
Emergency treatment for methanol poisoning can leave you with hospital bills in the tens of thousands. You should always take out travel insurance when heading abroad, no matter where you’re going, or for how long.
You should also check the Foreign Office’s travel guide for your destination to ensure you are up to date with the latest information. Alicia explained: “Unfortunately, even when you take every possible precaution, emergencies can still happen when you’re abroad.
“Travel insurance can provide cover for emergency medical expenses and hospital treatments helping to protect you from financial and additional personal stress if the worst does happen.”
What has the Foreign Office said?
The Foreign Office announced the eight new countries last month after an impassioned campaign by families who have lost loved ones to methanol poisoning abroad. Hamish Falconer, minister responsible for Consular and Crisis, said: “Methanol poisoning can kill – it can be difficult to detect when drinking and early symptoms mirror ordinary alcohol poisoning.
“By the time travellers realise the danger, it can be too late. That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness of the warning signs and urging anyone who suspects methanol poisoning to seek immediate medical attention. I encourage all travellers to check our travel advice and Travel Aware pages before they go on holiday.
“No family should endure what the campaigners’ families have suffered. Their determination to prevent others facing the same tragedy has been instrumental in driving forward these vital updates to our travel advice.”
Some operators have ‘paused or cancelled’ flights and package holidays to this popular destination
The FCDO has warned that some holidays to a popular destination have been cancelled(Image: Getty)
The UK Foreign Office has issued a package holiday warning as Brits travelling to a popular destination could see their plans cancelled. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has provided an update on holidays to Jamacia.
It explained that some operators have “paused or cancelled” flights and package holidays to the Caribbean destination. This update was provided on November 11, two weeks after the storm first hit.
“There are also shortages of food and water and access to currency. Access to healthcare in worst affected areas is limited. All Western parishes have suffered significant damage.
“The worst affected parishes are currently Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, Hanover and Manchester.” As per the latest reports, 45 people were killed by Hurricaine Melissa while another 15 remain missing.
Staying safe
The FCDO continued: “Exercise caution if you are travelling within Jamaica. Continue to follow the guidance of local authorities.
“If your hotel is unable to provide accommodation, get in contact with other hotels in the area to see if they have capacity.” If you need consular assistance, you can contact the FCDO on:
+1 (876) 936 0700 (Jamaica)
+44 (0) 20 7008 5000 (UK)
Travel plans
The FCDO stated that all airports have re-opened – however, not all flights are operating. “All the airports have re-opened, with Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay operating a limited number of commercial flights while repairs are made to the terminal. For updates and flight schedules, see @MBjairport for Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and @NMIA for Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston,” it said.
“Flights may not be direct and could transit other countries. Check for messaging from your airline or travel provider as some operators have paused or cancelled flights and package holidays to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.”
Before flying anywhere the FCDO says you should follow its foreign travel checklist:
Research your destination
Get insured before you go
Check your documents for travel
Consider your health
Prepare for the unexpected
For full details on this, visit the Government website here.
Flights to Orlando, New York, Miami and Los Angeles are all set to be affected by the historic US government shutdown
Airports serving the largest cities in the US are set to have thousands of flights cancelled daily in a looming holiday travel nightmare sparked by the government shutdown.(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Thousands of British travellers headed to the United States face either severe delays or flight cancellations as the US government’s shutdown shows no sign of ending.
Those with plans to fly to or return from the States are being advised that they could face disruption after the Trump administration announced a ten per cent to air traffic control. The ongoing US federal government shutdown is also affecting other areas of travel, airport staffing, and access to major tourist attractions.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its guidance for UK travellers, cautioning that those flying to or through the US may face longer queues, delayed flights and reduced services at airports. Officials have also advised visitors to check in advance whether famous landmarks, national parks and museums remain open, as many are federally funded and may now have limited access or be closed altogether.
The warning comes after Washington lawmakers failed to agree on new funding for government operations, leading to a shutdown on 1 October that has left hundreds of thousands of federal workers unpaid and key services running on skeleton staff. The situation has become the latest flashpoint in the deepening political standoff between Democrats and Republicans in Congress.
In its updated travel advisory, the FCDO states: “There could be travel disruptions, including flight delays and longer queue times at some airports, due to the current US federal government shutdown. Check for messaging from your travel provider or airline and follow their guidance. There may also be restrictions on access to some federally-managed tourist attractions. Please check the relevant websites in advance.”
While the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control services are still operating, many employees are either working without pay or calling in sick, placing pressure on staffing levels. Travel industry analysts warn that prolonged shortages could lead to further delays, particularly at major international gateways such as New York’s JFK Airport, Los Angeles International, Orlando, and Atlanta.
Tourists planning domestic flights within the US may also see longer wait times at security checkpoints, which could disrupt connecting flights and cause knock-on delays across the country. Airlines operating transatlantic services have begun issuing their own advisories. Some are advising passengers to arrive at airports earlier than usual for check-in and security screening, and to regularly monitor their flight status.
Another area of concern is the possible closure of major tourist attractions. National parks, including Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Great Smoky Mountains, are overseen by the National Park Service, which is affected by the government shutdown. Historically, visitor centres, museums, restrooms, guided tours, and safety patrols have all been suspended during previous shutdowns, leaving tourists with little access or support.
In major cities, museums such as the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, the National Air and Space Museum, and the National Museum of American History may also face reduced opening hours or temporary closure if funding is not restored.
Holidaymakers are being encouraged to verify opening times before visiting, and to have backup plans in case venues are closed. Travel providers say travellers should be prepared to be flexible, especially those on multi-stop itineraries.
The Foreign Office guidance is precautionary rather than alarmist. Flights between the UK and US remain operational, most major tourist hubs continue to function, and hotels, restaurants and privately-run attractions are unaffected. But experts say travellers should avoid assuming everything will run as normal.
The shutdown stems from a political deadlock in Congress over government spending.
Republican lawmakers, particularly those aligned with President Donald Trump, have blocked funding bills in a bid to push for cuts to public services and changes to government programmes. Democrats have refused to agree to the proposals, saying they would damage key areas of the economy and the welfare system.
Without a funding agreement, government departments have been forced to limit operations. Essential services, including national security and emergency response, continue to operate. But many civil servants are furloughed without pay, and non-essential federal programmes are pausing operations until funding is restored.
List of airports that will see thousands of flights cancelled starting Friday
Bethany Clarke and her best friend Simone White were backpacking together around Southeast Asia when they drank bootleg shots laced with methanol – and it proved tragically fatal for Simone
Bethany and Simone were on a backpacking adventure when tragedy struck(Image: Bethany Clarke / SWNS)
A woman has died after unknowingly drinking shots laced with methanol.
Bethany Clarke, 28, from Orpington, southeast London, went backpacking around Southeast Asia with her best friend, Simone White, 28, last year.
Both the women drank the bootleg alcohol, and tragically it proved fatal for Simone.
Bethany and Simone started their backpacking in Cambodia and went from there to Laos. They had spent the day tubing down the river – a popular tourist activity – before returning to their hostel for a night of drinking.
Bethany said: “We had methanol-laced shots. We had five or six each, just mixing them with Sprite.
“The next morning, we didn’t feel right, but we just assumed it was a hangover. It was strange though – unlike any hangover I’d had before.
“It felt like being drunk but in a way where you couldn’t enjoy it. Something was just off.”
Despite their condition, they continued on with their plans, heading to the Blue Lagoon and kayaking down the river again.
Bethany added: “We were just lying on the backs of the kayaks, too weak to paddle. Simone was being sick off one of them. Neither of us wanted to swim or eat – which, we later learned, are early signs of methanol poisoning.”
It wasn’t until hours later, after they’d boarded a bus to their next destination, that things worsened, with Bethany fainting and Simone continuing to vomit.
Eventually, they were taken to a local hospital – one that Bethany described as “very poor”.
She said: “They had no idea what was wrong, they talked about food poisoning, but we hadn’t eaten the same things. It didn’t make sense.”
Still confused and deteriorating, the women made it to a private hospital. But by then it was too late.
Bethany said: “They told me they’d do all they could to save her. She was having seizures during dialysis.”
When Simone’s condition worsened, her mother, Sue White, flew out to Laos, arriving just as her daughter was being wheeled into emergency brain surgery.
Bethany said: “Her brain had started to swell, and they had to shave her head. The surgery relieved the pressure but caused bleeding and the other side started swelling.”
The results confirming methanol poisoning wouldn’t arrive until two weeks later. By then, Simone had died.
Bethany said: “On an emotional level, it’s been a lot to process. Sometimes I still think, ‘Why don’t you reach out to Simone for that?’ and then I remember I can’t.”
Bethany has channeled her grief into campaigning for change and awareness. She said: “People still aren’t aware and don’t know the signs to look for.
“The government aren’t doing enough to educate British citizens about the signs of methanol poisoning.
“In Australia, where I live now, they have a big TikTok campaign and signs in all the airports.
“There’s a lot more work to be done in the UK – we’re behind. Anywhere there is organised crime, the opportunity exists – even in the UK.
Bethany also reckons there will be more deaths until people become more aware.”It’s highly likely we’ll see more deaths unless the UK government acts in a more radical way,” she said.
“It has to be in people’s heads – stick to canned drinks. But bottles can be more risky because the cap could have been replaced.
“Any spirits can be a risk. I say ‘steer clear, drink beer’ which rolls off the tongue.”
Just recently, the Foreign Office added eight further countries to the risk list for methanol poisoning due to risks associated with counterfeit or tainted alcoholic drinks.
The list already covered Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Turkey, Costa Rica and Fiji.
Ecuador, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Russia and Uganda were now included in the list following incidents.
Methanol poisoning results from methanol being added to drinks such as cocktails and spirits to up the volume and cut costs.
Signs of the poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and confusion – and more distinctive symptoms, such as vision issues, can develop between 12 and 48 hours after consumption.
