‘Where can I get blonde highlights and where to watch World Cup?: Britons’ bizarre calls for help to UK consulate
Where to buy blondes, requests for help finding a car at the Eiffel Tower and places to watch the World Cup are among the strangest calls made by Britons abroad to UK embassies and consulates for advice.
The Foreign Office has published some of the most unusual requests for help from Britons abroad, including a holidaymaker in Egypt asking the embassy to do something about the temperature of showers in her hotels.
Its staff saw an increase in football-related inquiries during the World Cup; A caller from Italy asked where they could watch the Scotland – Haiti group match in Milan.
With England due to face Norway in their quarter-final on Saturday night, the Foreign Office is urging Britons abroad to check what help they can offer before getting in touch.
Fraser McDougall, head of consular communications centre, said: “We’re always happy to do what we can to help Brits abroad wherever we can. While we can’t help with retrieving lost cars or where to watch football, we’re proud of the support we provide to more than a quarter of a million Brits every year.”
Among some of the strangest calls he received was a Briton in Georgia who called the Foreign Office to see if his two pets could be granted British citizenship to guarantee diplomatic protection.
In another conversation, a person planning to visit the United Kingdom asked his local embassy for help booking Royal Ascot tickets.
One caller contacted the embassy in Paris to ask how much duck paste they could bring into the UK, while a holidaymaker in Nigeria asked the embassy for help getting a refund for an unsatisfactory meal they had at a restaurant in Abuja.
In one of the strangest requests, a British embassy in Jordan asked if they knew where to buy blondes.
Last year, British embassies and consulates abroad received more than 328,000 questions and requests for assistance.
“Although the FCDO cannot advise on hairdressing options or resolve restaurant complaints, consular staff provide vital support to tens of thousands of Britons abroad each year,” the Foreign Office said.
Britons are now reminded to check travel advice before calling.
Consular and crisis manager Sarah Taylor said: “Whether it’s helping replace a lost passport or supporting people in crisis, FCDO’s specialist consular staff are available 24/7, 365 days a year.
“To ensure you enjoy your time abroad and stay safe, remember to check our Travel Advice before you travel and ensure you have appropriate insurance. If you encounter difficulties abroad, you can contact your nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.”
