Ethiopia Police Number: 991
+251 ยท Federal Police
The police emergency number in Ethiopia is 991. Operated by Ethiopian Federal Police. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Federal Police
Ethiopia ยท Police
๐ Federal police emergency number for Addis Ababa and federal jurisdictions. Regional states have their own police forces. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
๐ข Dedicated Number Pages
๐ Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
๐ฃ๏ธ Emergency Phrases in Ethiopia
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
โ ๏ธ When NOT to Call Police
- โข Do not call emergency numbers for electricity outages - contact Ethiopian Electric Power
- โข Do not call 907 for minor ailments - visit a local health center
- โข Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Ethiopian law
- โข Do not call 991 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- โข Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or traffic information
- โข Do not call emergency numbers for electricity outages
โ๏ธ Travel Notes โ Ethiopia
Emergency response is most reliable in Addis Ababa. Response in regional states and rural areas may be significantly delayed or unavailable. Private hospitals in Addis Ababa offer better emergency care than public facilities. Medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
๐ก๏ธ Traveling to Ethiopia? 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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Police Emergency Service in Ethiopia โ Complete Guide
When traveling to Ethiopia or living there as an expat, knowing the correct police number in Ethiopia is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for police services in Ethiopia is 991, which is operated and monitored by Ethiopian Federal Police. Federal police emergency number for Addis Ababa and federal jurisdictions. Regional states have their own police forces. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
How to Dial 991 in Ethiopia
To reach the Federal Police in Ethiopia, dial 991 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 Ethiopia. If you lack a SIM card, dial the universal emergency number 112. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge โ no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Ethiopia using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 991 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Ethiopia from an international location, the country calling code is +251.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Ethiopia communicate primarily in am. If you do not speak am, 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 991
When you call the police number in Ethiopia, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Ethiopian Federal Police. 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 Ethiopia
Please note that Ethiopia utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Police (991), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Federal Police (991), Emergency Medical Service (907), Fire and Rescue Service (939). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Ethiopia and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 991 is verified against official directories published by Ethiopian Federal Police. 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 โ Police in Ethiopia
What is the Police number in Ethiopia? โผ
The Police emergency number in Ethiopia is 991. Federal police emergency number for Addis Ababa and federal jurisdictions. Regional states have their own police forces. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety.
Does 991 work from mobile in Ethiopia? โผ
Yes, 991 works from all mobile phones in Ethiopia.
Can I call 991 without a SIM card? โผ
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 991 free in Ethiopia? โผ
Yes, calling 991 is free in Ethiopia. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Police in Ethiopia? โผ
The Police service in Ethiopia is operated by Ethiopian Federal Police. Source: https://www.moh.gov.et/
Can I call 907 from a mobile phone without credit in Ethiopia? โผ
Yes. Emergency calls to 907, 939, and 991 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Are emergency operators able to speak English in Ethiopia? โผ
English-speaking operators are not guaranteed. Amharic is the primary language. In Addis Ababa, some operators may have basic English but it should not be relied upon.
Are emergency services available outside Addis Ababa? โผ
Emergency services exist in regional capitals but are significantly less resourced than in Addis Ababa. Rural areas have minimal to no formal emergency response. Some regions use 991 for all emergencies.
Can I call emergency numbers from a mobile without credit in Ethiopia? โผ
Yes. Emergency calls to 907, 939, and 991 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
Do emergency operators speak English in Ethiopia? โผ
English-speaking operators are not guaranteed. Amharic is the primary language. In Addis Ababa, some operators may have basic English.