Emergency numbers in Europe, country by country

Q: What is the emergency number in Europe?

112 is the single European emergency number. It works in every EU country, free of charge, from any phone — even with no credit, no SIM card or a locked keypad. It connects you to the police, fire brigade or medical services.

Q: Does 112 work outside the European Union?

Yes. 112 also works in the United Kingdom (alongside 999), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and several other countries. If in doubt abroad, dial 112.

Q: Which number do I call after a car accident?

If anyone is hurt or there is danger, call 112 (or the local emergency number) immediately. Give the precise location, the number of vehicles and casualties, and do not hang up until the operator tells you to.

One number to remember everywhere in Europe: 112. Here's how it works, plus the direct numbers (police, fire, ambulance) if you'd rather reach a specific service.

General guidance only. Emergency numbers and procedures can change. This information was compiled carefully but may have changed since it was last updated. AcciZen provides it "as is", on a best-effort basis, with no guarantee of accuracy or completeness. If in doubt, dial 112.

112: the single European emergency number

The 112 is the common emergency number for every country in the European Union. Dial it to reach the police, fire brigade or medical services. A few useful things to know:

Free, from a landline or a mobile.
Works even with no credit, no SIM card or a locked keypad.
Operators may answer in several languages — invaluable abroad.
It also works outside the EU: United Kingdom (alongside 999), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and others.

Emergency numbers by country

112 works in every country below. The other columns show the direct numbers where they still exist in parallel.

Country	Emergency (112)	Police	Fire	Ambulance
🇫🇷 France	112	17	18	15
🇪🇸 Spain	112	091 / 092	080	061
🇩🇪 Germany	112	110	112	112
🇮🇹 Italy	112	113	115	118
🇵🇹 Portugal	112	112	112	112
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	112 / 999	999 (101 non-urgent)	999	999
🇧🇪 Belgium	112	101	112	112
🇳🇱 Netherlands	112	112	112	112
🇨🇭 Switzerland	112	117	118	144
🇦🇹 Austria	112	133	122	144

Last updated: June 2026.

Sources: 112 single European emergency number (European Commission); list of emergency numbers by country. Check with local authorities before you travel.

What to say when you call the emergency services

Where you are: town, road, direction of travel, kilometre marker or motorway post, visible landmarks.
What happened: accident, number of vehicles, any casualties, any hazard (fire, fast lane).
How many people are involved and their apparent condition.
Don't hang up until the operator tells you to — they can guide you.

Frequently asked questions

What is the emergency number in Europe?

112. It works in every EU country, free of charge, from any phone — even with no credit, no SIM card or a locked keypad. It connects you to the police, fire brigade or medical services.

Does 112 work outside the European Union?

Yes: in the United Kingdom (alongside 999), Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and several other countries. If in doubt abroad, dial 112.

Which number do I call after a car accident?

If anyone is hurt or there is danger, call 112 (or the local emergency number) immediately. Once everyone is safe, AcciZen guides you to capture the photos and information you'll need. Open AcciZen →

After the emergency call, AcciZen takes over.

Once everyone is safe, AcciZen guides you step by step: photos, place, time, the other driver's details, a file for your insurer. Free, no sign-up, in 6 languages.

Open AcciZen

Read this guide: Français · English

← All "Driving in Europe" guides