British holidaymakers have presented their country's overseas diplomatic staff with a series of baffling requests, highlighting the diverse nature of public engagement with consular services. At the forefront of these unusual enquiries is a query from an individual in Jordan seeking advice on where to get blonde highlights, a request that has left some scratching their heads.
A number of British tourists have found themselves in unfamiliar situations while abroad, including one who lost their car near the Eiffel Tower and another who contacted embassy personnel in Egypt about the shower temperature at their hotel. Other instances include a query about the permissible quantity of duck pâté to bring into the UK, a request for British citizenship for two pets in Georgia to ensure diplomatic protection, and a holidaymaker in Nigeria seeking a refund for an unsatisfactory restaurant meal.
Despite these unusual calls, the Foreign Office stresses that its primary role is to provide essential consular assistance, including issuing Emergency Travel Documents for lost or stolen passports, offering guidance to victims of crime, providing medical assistance information, and supporting those arrested overseas. In the past year alone, consular staff handled more than 328,000 enquiries and requests for help, averaging nearly 900 calls per day, with over 29,500 Emergency Travel Documents issued.
Fraser McDougall, head of the Consular Contact Centre, acknowledged the unusual nature of some calls but emphasised the vital support provided to hundreds of thousands of British citizens annually. He reiterated that while staff cannot assist with personal matters such as retrieving lost vehicles or finding places to watch football matches, their focus remains on serious consular cases.
The department advises British travellers to consult the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for their chosen destination and ensure they possess comprehensive travel insurance. This proactive approach helps mitigate potential issues and ensures travellers are aware of support limitations before encountering difficulties abroad.