Switzerland Police Number: 117
Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia) · Switzerland
117 is the police emergency number in Switzerland. Works from mobile phones. Free to call. Source: OFCOM Switzerland.
📞 About 117 — Police in Switzerland
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⚠️ When NOT to Call 117
- • Do not call 117 for non-urgent police matters
- • Do not call 1414 for non-alpine emergencies - use 144 for ground ambulance
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Swiss law
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or weather forecasts
- • Do not call 1414 for non-alpine emergencies
- • Do not call 144 for non-urgent medical advice
- • Do not call 117 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 144 for non-urgent medical advice - contact your GP or the medical on-call service
✈️ Travel Notes — Switzerland
Emergency response is fast and excellent throughout Switzerland. REGA air rescue is world-renowned for alpine emergencies. Medical care is world-class but expensive; travel insurance is essential. The 112 system integrates with cantonal emergency services.
🛡️ Traveling to Switzerland? 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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What is 117 in Switzerland?
117 is the official Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia) emergency number in Switzerland. This number is operated by OFCOM Switzerland and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety. Cantonal police forces respond.
When to Call 117
Call 117 immediately in situations involving police-related emergencies in Switzerland. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 117 in Switzerland
Here are the key technical facts about calling 117 in Switzerland:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: OFCOM Switzerland
How to Call 117 from Abroad
If you are calling 117 from outside Switzerland, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +41 followed by 117 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Switzerland, simply dialing 117 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia). The universal number 112 is also active across Switzerland and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Switzerland
Besides 117 (Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia)), Switzerland has the following emergency services available: European Emergency Number: 112 · Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia): 117 · Emergency Medical Service: 144 · Fire and Rescue Service (Feuerwehr): 118 · REGA Swiss Air Rescue: 1414. Save all these numbers before traveling to Switzerland.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 117 is listed as the Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia) emergency line for Switzerland based on data from OFCOM Switzerland. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 117 (Switzerland)
What is 117 in Switzerland? ▼
117 is the Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia) emergency number in Switzerland. Police emergency number. Also reachable via 112. Handles criminal emergencies and public safety. Cantonal police forces respond.
Can I call 117 without a SIM card in Switzerland? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 117 free in Switzerland? ▼
Yes, calling 117 is completely free in Switzerland. No airtime credit needed.
Does 117 work from mobile in Switzerland? ▼
Yes, 117 works from all mobile phones in Switzerland.
Who do I reach when I call 117 in Switzerland? ▼
Calling 117 in Switzerland connects you to Police (Polizei/Police/Polizia) (OFCOM Switzerland), available 24/7.
What is the source for 117 being the Police number in Switzerland? ▼
Verified from OFCOM Switzerland: https://www.ch.ch/en/safety-and-justice/emergencies-and-danger/. Last verified: 2026-01.
What is REGA 1414 in Switzerland? ▼
REGA is the Swiss air rescue service specializing in alpine emergencies and medical evacuations. Call 1414 directly or request REGA through 112. REGA membership covers rescue costs.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in Switzerland? ▼
Yes. GSM phones can dial 112 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in Switzerland? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls to 112, 117, 118, and 144 are free. REGA rescue may incur costs without membership.
Do emergency operators speak English in Switzerland? ▼
Yes. Emergency operators handle calls in German, French, Italian, and English. Multilingual support is standard.
What is REGA 1414? ▼
REGA is Swiss air rescue for alpine emergencies. REGA membership covers rescue costs.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls are free and work without a SIM card.
Do emergency operators speak English? ▼
Yes. Operators handle German, French, Italian, and English.