In an emergency, call 112. It's the European emergency number for the police, an ambulance or the fire brigade. It's free, works 24/7 from any mobile or landline, and you can call it in every EU country.
112 also works in many other countries where your Pass is valid, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. Travelling somewhere else, for example Bosnia and Herzegovina? Check the local emergency number before you go.
How do I call 112?
- Call 112 and wait calmly for an answer. Don't hang up, or you'll go back to the end of the queue. In many countries, the operator can speak English.
- Say where you are: the city, street and house number, or a nearby landmark. If you don't know exactly, the operator can often find your location.
- Say what happened, for example an accident, a fire or someone who is unwell.
- Say if anyone is hurt, and how many people.
- Stay on the line until the operator says you can hang up, and keep your phone free afterwards in case they call you back.
If you call 112 by mistake, don't hang up. Tell the operator it was a mistake, so they know there's no emergency.
When should I call 112?
Only in a real emergency, when someone's life, health or safety is in danger. For example:
- someone is seriously hurt, unconscious, bleeding heavily or can't breathe
- there's a fire
- you're the victim of, or witness, a crime or an attack
For anything that isn't urgent, such as a minor illness or a lost wallet, go to a pharmacy, doctor or local police station instead. Calling 112 without a real emergency can stop someone else from getting help, and in most countries it's a criminal offence.
Set up emergency information on your phone
Before you travel, add your emergency contacts and any important medical information to your phone. Emergency services can then see it from your lock screen, even if you can't speak.
- iPhone: open the Health app and set up your Medical ID.
- Android: look for Safety and emergency or Emergency information in your phone's settings. The exact name depends on your phone.
When should I contact my embassy?
Your country's embassy or consulate can help if, for example, your passport is lost or stolen, you're arrested, or you're seriously ill or injured. If your country doesn't have an embassy or consulate where you are, you can go to the embassy of any other EU country. Consular protection for EU citizens
Does the emergency affect your trip? Once you're safe, contact the DiscoverEU Travel Team, and we'll help you with your Pass and travel plans.