“Do you know where I can get blonde highlights?” The most unusual requests from Brits abroad for consular assistance through the FCDO Contact Centre
Brits heading overseas this summer urged to check Travel Advice as the FCDO highlights unusual requests received by their contact centre for consular assistance.
As millions of Brits prepare to jet overseas for summer holidays, consular staff at UK embassies, high commissions and consulates around the world will be working around the clock to support British nationals abroad.
From lost passports to medical emergencies, staff at UK embassies and consulates overseas have dealt with more than 328,000 enquiries and requests for help over the past year – nearly 900 calls a day.
While the vast majority of enquiries are genuine requests for help or advice, a handful are more unusual. Some examples include:
– A British holidaymaker in Jordan asking if the Embassy knew where they could get blonde highlights.
– A caller contacting the Embassy in Paris asking how much duck pâté they could bring into the UK.
– An individual in France who asked if the Embassy could help locate where they had parked their car near the Eiffel Tower.
– A Brit in Georgia calling the FCDO to ask if their two pets could be granted British citizenship to guarantee diplomatic protection.
– A holidaymaker asking the Embassy in Egypt to do something about the temperature of the showers at their hotel.
– An individual planning to visit the UK asking their local embassy for assistance in trying to book tickets for Royal Ascot.
– A holidaymaker in Nigeria asking the Embassy for help seeking a refund for an unsatisfactory meal they had just eaten at a restaurant in Abuja.
– A Brit asking the FCDO consular service how to get in touch with their postman while away.
As part of this support, the UK Government is reminding travellers to take some simple steps to stay safe abroad. This includes checking the latest FCDO Travel Advice for their destination(s), signing up for email alerts, and ensuring they have appropriate travel insurance.
Sarah Taylor, 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.”
Fraser McDougall, 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.”
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is the UK government department responsible for protecting and promoting British interests worldwide. Formed in 2020 by merging the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Department for International Development (DFID), it manages diplomatic relations, foreign policy, and international development programs across 178 countries.
For additional information on FCDO visit their Website
