“Unusual Consular Requests: Brits Abroad Seeking Help for Everything from Blonde Highlights to More!”

As millions of British nationals prepare for their summer holidays, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has taken the opportunity to highlight the diverse and sometimes unusual requests received by consular staff. This serves as a reminder of the essential support available to Britons travelling abroad.

Essential Travel Preparations for British Tourists

Before embarking on their journeys, travellers are encouraged to consult the FCDO Travel Advice and subscribe to email alerts regarding their destination. Taking these simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of encountering avoidable issues while overseas. Key recommendations include obtaining comprehensive travel insurance, familiarising oneself with local laws, and ensuring that passports are kept secure.

Consular staff at UK embassies, high commissions, and consulates worldwide are poised to offer assistance, having managed over 328,000 enquiries and requests for help in the past year—averaging nearly 900 calls each day. While most requests are straightforward, a few stand out due to their peculiarity.

Unusual Requests from Travellers

Examples of particularly unusual enquiries include a British tourist in Jordan inquiring about local hair salons that could provide blonde highlights, and a caller in Paris seeking information on the permissible amount of duck pâté to bring back to the UK. In France, a visitor sought assistance in locating their parked car near the Eiffel Tower, while another Brit in Georgia amusingly asked whether their pets could be granted British citizenship for diplomatic protection.

Additional quirky requests have included a plea to the Embassy in Egypt to address the water temperature in hotel showers and a visitor to the UK seeking help with booking tickets for the prestigious Royal Ascot. A British holidaymaker in Nigeria requested aid in obtaining a refund for a disappointing restaurant meal, and another individual sought the FCDO’s assistance in contacting their postman while abroad.

With the World Cup quarter-finals generating excitement, it comes as no surprise that some recent enquiries have been football-related, such as a request from a caller in Italy about where to watch the Scotland versus Haiti match in Milan.

The Scope of Consular Support

While the FCDO may not be able to assist with personal grooming or restaurant grievances, its consular staff play a crucial role in supporting tens of thousands of British citizens each year. The UK Government has reiterated the importance of taking basic safety measures when travelling abroad, including checking the latest FCDO Travel Advice, signing up for email alerts, and ensuring adequate travel insurance is in place.

In the event of unexpected difficulties, the UK Government is equipped to:

• Provide updated Travel Advice covering local laws, cultural nuances, safety concerns, and contact information for local authorities.
• Issue Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) for lost or stolen passports, facilitating returns home or the continuation of travel. Over 29,500 ETDs were issued in the last year alone.
• Offer guidance and support to British nationals who fall victim to crime or require medical attention, with 8,573 individuals reaching out for medical assistance last year.
• Assist those detained abroad, maintaining communication with detainees, providing lists of English-speaking legal representatives, and keeping families informed with consent.
• Raise concerns regarding treatment or detention conditions with local authorities while respecting the judicial processes of other countries.

Expert Assistance Available Year-Round

Sarah Taylor, Director for Consular and Crisis, emphasised the commitment of the FCDO, stating, “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.” She urged travellers to check the FCDO Travel Advice and ensure they have appropriate insurance before departing. In case of difficulties, the nearest British Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate can be contacted for assistance.

Fraser McDougall, Head of the Consular Contact Centre, added, “We are always happy to do what we can to help out Brits abroad where possible. While we can’t assist with retrieving lost cars or finding a spot to watch the football, we take pride in the support we extend to over a quarter of a million British nationals each year.”

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