Emergency numbers by country: worldwide directory¶

Knowing the correct local emergency number saves vital minutes during a crisis. This comprehensive directory covers emergency telephone numbers for all 251 countries and territories worldwide, verified against official telecommunication and emergency dispatch authorities.

Do this now¶

1. Locate your destination country in the directory below before you travel.
2. Store the local emergency numbers in your mobile contacts list under "Emergency Police", "Emergency Ambulance", and "Emergency Fire".
3. Write the numbers down on physical paper stored inside your wallet or passport sleeve.
4. In an acute life threatening crisis on a mobile phone, dial 112 or 911. Most modern GSM and CDMA networks automatically route these universal standard codes to local emergency dispatchers.

Quick jump by region¶

Africa · Asia · Caribbean · Central America · Europe · North America · Oceania · South America

Africa¶

Asia¶

Caribbean¶

Central America¶

Europe¶

North America¶

Oceania¶

South America¶

Understanding universal emergency numbers (112 and 911)¶

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standardizes two primary global emergency numbers for telecommunication carriers:

• 112 (European and GSM Standard): Works in all 27 European Union member nations, across the broader European continent, and on GSM mobile networks worldwide. Even outside of Europe (such as in India, South Africa, and parts of Latin America), dialing 112 on a mobile handset frequently redirects to the local national emergency dispatch center.
• 911 (North American Standard): Standard across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, and multiple Central American and Caribbean jurisdictions. Many telecommunication carriers globally program mobile handsets to automatically reroute 911 calls to the local emergency service.

Do not assume automated rerouting will succeed in every remote area or legacy landline network. Always memorize and use the specific local numbers listed above.

Calling emergency services without a SIM card or mobile signal¶

Mobile phones have special emergency firmware overrides built into their communication baseband:

• No SIM Card or Inactive Service: In most countries complying with ITU standards (including North America, the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand), a mobile handset can place an emergency call through any available cellular tower, even if the phone has no active SIM card, no prepaid airtime, or no active network subscription.
• Locked Handset Screen: Every modern smartphone allows emergency calling directly from the lock screen without entering a PIN, pattern, or biometric password. Tap "Emergency Call" on the lock screen and dial the emergency number directly.
• No Cellular Carrier Signal (Satellite SOS): Recent smartphone models (including modern iPhone and Android devices) feature direct satellite emergency communication. If you have zero cellular bars and zero Wi-Fi connectivity in an outdoor emergency, follow the on screen prompts to point your handset toward an orbital satellite to transmit your exact GPS coordinates and distress message to emergency dispatchers.

Text to emergency services and non-verbal communication¶

If you cannot speak safely due to an active threat (such as an intruder or domestic violence) or if you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired:

• Text-to-911 (United States and Canada): Available in thousands of counties and municipalities. Open a standard SMS message, enter 911 in the recipient field, and send your exact street location and the nature of the emergency. If text-to-911 is not supported by the local dispatch center, you will immediately receive an automated bounce-back text instructing you to place a voice call.
• EmergencySMS (United Kingdom): In the UK, travelers and residents can register their mobile phone with the emergencySMS service to text 999 directly.
• National Relay and TTY Services: Specialized relay numbers (such as 711 in the US and Canada, 106 in Australia, and 114 in France) provide Real-Time Text (RTT) and telecommunications relay operators for individuals with speech or hearing disabilities.

Communicating through language barriers¶

When traveling abroad, emergency operators may not speak your native language:

1. State your country and primary language immediately in clear English (for example: "English translator needed" or "Habla ingles"). Major emergency centers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas partner with on-demand tele-interpretation services that can connect an interpreter within 30 to 60 seconds.
2. Speak slowly and clearly. State your location using prominent landmarks, major street names, or GPS coordinates shown in your smartphone map app.
3. Do not disconnect the call. Stay on the line until the dispatcher confirms that help has been dispatched.

Consular and embassy emergency assistance¶

If you are involved in a major overseas crisis (such as serious medical injury, natural disaster, arrest, or death of a companion), contact your home nation's embassy or consulate:

• United States Citizens: Call +1-202-501-4444 (State Department Overseas Citizen Services) or contact the nearest US Embassy.
• Canadian Citizens: Call +1-613-996-8885 (Emergency Watch and Response Centre).
• United Kingdom Citizens: Call +44 20 7008 5000 (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office).
• Australian Citizens: Call +61 2 6261 3305 (Consular Emergency Centre).
• European Union Citizens: If your home EU member state does not have an embassy in the country you are visiting, you are entitled to emergency consular protection from any other EU member state embassy.

Related guides¶

• First aid
• Family emergency plan
• Emergency kit
• Travel and overseas emergencies
• Use this site offline