The UK's Foreign Office has revealed a surge in bizarre requests from Britons abroad seeking assistance. Among the unusual enquiries are pleas for help locating lost cars near famous landmarks and queries about World Cup screenings – including one caller asking for directions to watch Scotland v Haiti in Milan, as England prepares for their quarter-final clash against Norway.
With the World Cup underway, consular staff have reported a significant increase in football-related calls. However, they clarified that assistance is limited to providing general information and cannot extend to resolving personal issues such as lost property or restaurant disputes.
A Briton in Georgia sought to secure British citizenship for their pets, while another individual planned to visit the UK and asked the embassy to book tickets for Royal Ascot. A holidaymaker in Nigeria even contacted the Foreign Office to request a refund for an unsatisfactory meal in Abuja.
The catalogue of strange requests includes one Briton who reached out from Jordan seeking recommendations on where to get blonde highlights – prompting the Foreign Office to reiterate that consular staff are not qualified to provide hairdressing advice.
Fraser McDougall, head of the consular contact centre, acknowledged the team's commitment to supporting Britons overseas, but clarified the limitations of their assistance. “We can't help with retrieving lost cars or where to watch the football,” he said, adding that they do provide crucial support for more serious issues.
Sarah Taylor, director for consular and crisis, emphasised the critical role of consular services: “Whether it is helping to replace a lost passport or supporting people in crisis, our expert consular staff are available 24/7 to help.” She urged travellers to consult official travel advice and ensure appropriate insurance coverage before embarking on their journeys.