The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has released a list of the most unusual enquiries received by its consular staff, reminding travellers of the support it can and cannot provide. With over 328,000 requests handled each year, employees manage nearly 900 calls daily.
Blonde Highlights in Jordan
One British tourist in Jordan contacted the embassy not for a stolen passport, but to ask where they could get blonde highlights. The FCDO noted that while the embassy is classified as an emergency contact, dark roots do not constitute an emergency.
Duck Pâté and Lost Cars in Paris
In Paris, a British national enquired about how much duck pâté they could bring into the UK. According to the FCDO, there is no specific quantity limit for personal consumption. Another Brit asked the embassy in France to help locate where they had parked their car near the Eiffel Tower.
Complaints About Showers and Refunds
British holidaymakers have a reputation for complaining, with research indicating they complain three times a day on average. One tourist in Egypt asked the embassy to address the temperature of the showers at their hotel. Another in Nigeria sought help seeking a refund for an unsatisfactory meal at a restaurant in Abuja.
Pet Citizenship and Royal Ascot Tickets
Extraordinary requests included a Brit in Georgia asking if their two pets could be granted British citizenship for diplomatic protection. Another person rang the helpline to ask how to contact their postman while away. One individual planning a future visit to the UK asked the local embassy for assistance booking tickets for Royal Ascot.
Common Reasons to Contact the Embassy
The most common reason Brits contact an embassy abroad is a lost or stolen passport. The embassy can arrange emergency travel documents. It also plays a role in protecting nationals who become victims of serious crime, providing referrals to interpreters or English-speaking lawyers. The UK has 167 embassies worldwide.
