Complete Guide to Emergency Numbers in Europe 2026
Europe has one unified emergency system — 112 — and 40+ countries with their own national variations. Whether you're traveling to France, Germany, Poland, or anywhere in between, this guide gives you every number you need, country by country.
📞 The One Number That Works Everywhere in Europe: 112
112 is mandatory in all EU countries. Works from any phone, with or without a SIM card. Connects to police, ambulance, or fire — whichever you need.
What is 112? Europe's Universal Emergency Number Explained
112 was introduced by the European Union in 1991 and became mandatory for all EU member states in 1998. The number was chosen because it doesn't conflict with existing national numbers in any EU country. Today, it also works in EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), Switzerland, Turkey, and most other European nations.
✓ Works without a SIM card
You can dial 112 from a mobile phone with no SIM installed — essential if your phone is stolen and you're using a borrowed device, or if your SIM is expired.
✓ Works from any network
Even if you have no signal on your own carrier, 112 will connect through any available mobile network in range.
✓ Automatically routes to the right service
You'll reach a dispatcher who will connect you to police, ambulance, or fire based on your emergency.
✓ Works even with keypad locked
On most smartphones, you can dial 112 from the lock screen without unlocking the phone.
Emergency Numbers in Europe — Country by Country
While 112 works everywhere in the EU, each country also has dedicated national numbers for each service. Knowing both gives you maximum coverage in any emergency.
| Country | Police | Ambulance | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 110 | 112 | 112 |
| 🇫🇷 France | 17 | 15 | 18 |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 112 / 113 | 118 | 115 |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 112 / 091 | 112 | 112 |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 112 | 112 | 112 |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 112 | 112 | 112 |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 101 | 100 / 112 | 100 |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 117 | 144 | 118 |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 133 | 144 | 122 |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | 100 | 166 | 199 |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | 112 / 997 | 112 / 999 | 112 / 998 |
| 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | 158 | 155 | 150 |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | 112 | 112 | 112 |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | 112 | 113 | 110 |
| 🇩🇰 Denmark | 112 | 112 | 112 |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | 112 | 112 | 112 |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 999 / 112 | 999 / 112 | 999 / 112 |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 999 | 999 | 999 |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | 107 | 104 | 105 |
| 🇷🇴 Romania | 112 | 112 | 112 |
| 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 112 | 112 | 112 |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | 192 | 194 | 193 |
| 🇷🇸 Serbia | 192 | 194 | 193 |
| 🇺🇦 Ukraine | 102 | 103 | 101 |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | 155 | 112 | 110 |
For verified numbers, sources, and detailed guides for each country, visit the country's page on allemergencynumbers.com.
UK 999 vs 112 — What's the Difference?
The UK uses 999 as its national emergency number — the oldest emergency telephone number in the world, introduced in 1937. Following EU membership, 112 was also activated and works in the UK. Both numbers connect to the same dispatch center.
999
UK national emergency number
Works in UK and Ireland
From any phone
112
EU universal number
Works across all of Europe
Without SIM card
Recommendation: Save both. In the UK, use 999. Traveling in Europe? Use 112. Can't remember which country you're in? Dial 112 — it will work. See our dedicated UK emergency numbers guide for the complete breakdown.
Regional Guides Within Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the emergency number in Europe?
112 is the universal emergency number across all EU countries and most of Europe. It works from any phone, with or without a SIM card. Country-specific numbers also exist: UK (999), France (17/15/18), Germany (110/112), Italy (112/118/115).
Does 112 work in all European countries?
112 is mandatory across all 27 EU member states and also works in EEA countries, Switzerland, UK, and Turkey. Most non-EU European countries also support 112. It works without a SIM card and from locked phones.
What is the ambulance number in Europe?
112 connects to ambulance services across the EU. Country-specific ambulance numbers: France (15), Germany (112), Italy (118), Spain (112), Netherlands (112), Norway (113). In the UK, ambulance is 999 or 112.
Can I call 999 in Europe?
999 works in the UK and Ireland only. Outside these countries, use 112 as your universal European emergency number. 112 connects to the same services as 999 in the UK, so you can use either in Britain.
What is the police number in Europe?
Police numbers vary by country: France (17), Germany (110), Italy (112/113), Spain (091/112), UK (999/112). 112 connects to police in all EU countries. Check allemergencynumbers.com for the specific number in any country.
🛡️ Traveling to Europe? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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