Bulgaria Police Number: 166
+359 · Police
The police emergency number in Bulgaria is 166. Operated by Ministry of Interior. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Police
Bulgaria · Police
📝 Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Bulgaria
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Police
- • Do not call 112 for non-urgent medical advice - contact your GP
- • Do not call 166 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable by fines under Bulgarian law
- • Do not call 112 for road conditions - use the Road Infrastructure Agency information
- • Do not use emergency lines for weather forecasts
✈️ Travel Notes — Bulgaria
Emergency response is generally reliable in Sofia and major cities. Response in rural and mountainous areas may be slower. The 112 Bulgaria app provides GPS location to emergency services. Mountain Rescue Service is experienced. Private hospitals in Sofia offer good emergency care.
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Police Emergency Service in Bulgaria — Complete Guide
When traveling to Bulgaria or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Bulgaria is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Bulgaria is 166, which is operated and monitored by Ministry of Interior. Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
How to Dial 166 in Bulgaria
To reach the Police in Bulgaria, dial 166 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. A SIM card is typically required by mobile operators in Bulgaria. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Bulgaria using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 166 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Bulgaria from an international location, the country calling code is +359.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Bulgaria communicate primarily in bg. If you do not speak bg, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 166
When you call the police number in Bulgaria, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Ministry of Interior. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (police assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Bulgaria
Please note that Bulgaria utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (166), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: European Emergency Number (112), Police (166), Emergency Medical Service (150), Fire Safety and Civil Protection (160), Mountain Rescue Service (PSS) (112). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Bulgaria and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 166 is verified against official directories published by Ministry of Interior. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Police in Bulgaria
What is the Police number in Bulgaria? ▼
The Police emergency number in Bulgaria is 166. Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
Does 166 work from mobile in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes, 166 works from all mobile phones in Bulgaria.
Can I call 166 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 166 free in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes, calling 166 is free in Bulgaria. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Bulgaria? ▼
The Police service in Bulgaria is operated by Ministry of Interior. Source: https://www.mvr.bg/112
Does 112 replace 150, 160, and 166 in Bulgaria? ▼
112 is the unified emergency number that connects to all services, but the traditional short codes (150, 160, 166) remain active. Both systems work.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes. GSM phones can dial 112 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls to 112, 150, 160, and 166 are free of charge from any phone.
Do emergency operators speak English in Bulgaria? ▼
Yes. 112 operators are trained to handle calls in Bulgarian and English. English proficiency is common in tourist areas.
What number do I call for mountain rescue in Bulgaria? ▼
Call 112 for mountain rescue. The Mountain Rescue Service (PSS) is dispatched through the 112 system and covers all Bulgarian mountains including ski resorts.
Is there an emergency app for Bulgaria? ▼
Yes. The 112 Bulgaria mobile app automatically sends your GPS location to the emergency center and provides direct access to emergency services.