British holidaymakers have asked diplomats for help finding blonde highlights, tracking down a car parked near the Eiffel Tower and securing British citizenship for their pets.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) revealed the unusual enquiries as it urged travellers to check official advice and arrange appropriate insurance before going abroad.
Consular staff at British embassies, high commissions and consulates dealt with more than 328,000 enquiries and requests for assistance over the past year - equivalent to nearly 900 a day.
Most involved genuine requests for help, including lost passports, medical emergencies and arrests.
However, one holidaymaker in Jordan asked whether the embassy knew where they could get blonde highlights, while a caller in Paris wanted to know how much duck pâté they could bring into the UK.
Another person in France asked diplomats to help locate their car after forgetting where they had parked near the Eiffel Tower.
A Briton in Georgia asked whether their two pets could be granted British citizenship to guarantee diplomatic protection, while a tourist in Egypt complained about the temperature of their hotel showers.
Other enquiries included requests for help booking Royal Ascot tickets, obtaining a refund for an unsatisfactory meal in Nigeria and contacting a postman while overseas.
Football has also prompted calls, including one person in Italy asking where they could watch the Scotland v Haiti World Cup group game in Milan.
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."
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The FCDO issued more than 29,500 emergency travel documents last year, while 8,573 people contacted officials after receiving medical care abroad.
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."
(c) Sky News 2026: Britons abroad ask diplomats for blonde highlights, help finding lost cars and citizenship
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