Where to get blonde highlights, pleas for help finding a car at the Eiffel Tower and places to watch the World Cup are among some of the strangest calls to UK embassies and consulates from Britons abroad seeking advice.
The Foreign Office has released some of its most unusual requests for assistance from Britons overseas, which include one holidaymaker in Egypt who asked the embassy to do something about the temperature of the showers at their hotel.
Its staff have seen a rise in football-related enquiries during the World Cup, with one caller in Italy asking where they could watch the Scotland v Haiti group game in Milan.
With England set to face Norway in Saturday night’s quarter-final clash, the Foreign Office is urging Britons overseas to check what assistance it can offer before getting in touch.
Fraser McDougall, the head of the consular contact centre, said: “We are always happy to do what we can to help out Brits abroad where possible. While we can’t help with retrieving lost cars or where to watch the football, we’re proud of the support we provide to over a quarter of a million Brits each year.”
Among some of the strangest calls it has received was a Briton in Georgia who called the Foreign Office to see if their two pets could be granted British citizenship to guarantee diplomatic protection.
In another call, an individual planning to visit the UK asked their local embassy for help to book Royal Ascot tickets.
One caller contacted the embassy in Paris asking how much duck pâté they could bring into the UK, while a holidaymaker in Nigeria asked the embassy for help in get a refund for an unsatisfactory meal they had eaten at an Abuja restaurant.
In one of the most bizarre requests, a Briton in Jordan asked the embassy if they knew where they could get blonde highlights.
British embassies and consulates overseas have received more than 328,000 enquiries and requests for help over the past year.
“While the FCDO cannot advise on hairdressing options or resolve restaurant complaints, consular staff do provide vital support to tens of thousands of British people abroad every year,” the Foreign Office said.
It is now reminding Britons to check its travel advice before calling.
Sarah Taylor, the director for consular and crisis, said: “Whether it is helping to replace a lost passport or supporting people in crisis the FCDO has expert consular staff available 24/7, 365 days a year to help.
“To ensure you enjoy your time and stay safe abroad, remember to check our Travel Advice and make sure you have appropriate insurance before you travel. If you encounter difficulties while overseas, you can contact the nearest British Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.”
