Greece is a destination that feels safe and relaxed – the pace of life is slow, the people are welcoming, and trips usually proceed without interruption. However, just like in any other country, emergencies are a part of reality: a car accident on a mountain road, a fall during a hike, a sudden medical issue, theft in a crowded tourist area, or a summer fire approaching accommodation zones.
In such moments, there is no time for improvisation; you need to know in advance which number to dial and what to expect on the other end of the line. The emergency system in Greece is structured and clear, with a central European number routing calls, alongside direct lines to various services. Familiarizing yourself with these numbers and their functions can save precious time and turn a stressful situation into a manageable one.
National Emergency Hotline 112 – The Entry Point for Every Situation
112 is the most important emergency number for anyone in Greece. It is the unified European emergency number, operating throughout the country – in cities, villages, and islands. A call to this number reaches a central dispatch center that routes the call to the relevant service: police, ambulance, fire department, coast guard, or a combination thereof.
The hotline operates 24 hours a day, is available in English and other languages, and uses an automatic location identification system from the mobile phone, even when the caller struggles to explain their location. This number is especially recommended in situations where it is unclear which service to contact, or when dealing with a complex event. 112 works even without a local SIM card, and sometimes even when signal reception is partial.
Summary of Emergency Numbers – Save to Your Phone
- 112 – General European Emergency Hotline (Police, Ambulance, Fire, Rescue)
- 100 – Greek Police
- 171 – Tourist Police
- 166 – Ambulance and Medical Emergency
- 199 – Fire Department
- 108 – Coast Guard and Sea Rescue
- 1018 – Mental Health Helpline
- 1154 – Roadside Assistance
Police and Personal Security – 100 / Tourist Police – 171
If dealing with a criminal or security event – theft, violence, threats, burglary, or the need for police intervention – you can contact the Greek Police directly at 100. This is a national line, and in many tourist areas, English-speaking operators are available.
Additionally, Greece operates a dedicated Tourist Police service on number 171. This service is designed for foreign travelers and assists in situations such as lost documents, tourist scams, disputes with service providers, general complaints, and guidance regarding authorities. In major cities and tourist hubs, there are also physical Tourist Police stations.
In the event of a lost passport or ID, the local police is the first and necessary stop to obtain an official report.
Medical Services, Ambulances, and Medical Evacuation – 166
In an urgent medical situation, call 166, Greece’s National Ambulance Service. The center is operated by emergency medical services and can dispatch medical teams, provide initial instructions over the phone, and refer to appropriate hospitals. In Athens, Thessaloniki, and major cities, modern public and private hospitals operate with English-speaking staff.
On the islands and in rural areas, primary care is usually provided at local health centers, and in severe cases, evacuation to a central hospital is carried out, sometimes via helicopter. Travelers with travel insurance can also opt for private care, depending on the situation and insurance coverage.
Fire Department, Wildfires, and Natural Disasters – 199
Greece faces large forest fires almost every year, sometimes leading to the evacuation of residential areas, especially during the summer season. Therefore, the Fire Department is a central part of the emergency system. The emergency number for the Fire Department is 199. The center handles reports of open fires, unusual smoke, people trapped in fires, building rescues, and events related to earthquakes or collapses.
Early reporting, even if the fire looks small, can prevent dangerous spreading, especially in forested areas or near settlements. In large-scale emergencies, authorities also use mobile emergency alerts as part of the 112 system.
In cases of getting lost or distress in open and uninhabited terrain, Greece also has a dedicated rescue and location number: 122. This line is intended for situations where cellular reception exists, but physical access is complex and requires coordination with regional rescue units. This service complements the general emergency centers and does not replace calling 112 in immediate life-threatening situations.
Sea Rescue and Maritime Emergencies – Coast Guard 108
As a country with a vast coastline and hundreds of islands, Greece operates an advanced maritime rescue system. The Greek Coast Guard’s emergency number is 108. This is the number to call in situations such as vessel distress, missing swimmers, water sports accidents, dangerous currents, or any unusual event at sea or on the beaches.
The Coast Guard operates patrol boats, rescue teams, and helicopters, working in coordination with other emergency services. On organized beaches, the local lifeguard is often the quickest point of contact for reaching the Coast Guard.
Mental Health and Emotional Distress Helplines – 1018
Alongside physical emergency services, mental and emotional support lines also operate in Greece. The National Helpline for Emotional Support operates at 1018, intended for non-life-threatening situations that involve acute anxiety, mental distress, or the need for a supportive conversation. The service operates mainly in Greek and sometimes in English, serving as a supplementary service only – not a substitute for calling 112 or an ambulance in immediate danger.
Roadside Assistance and Complementary Services
Travelers renting a car may encounter mechanical breakdowns or minor accidents, especially on mountain roads or islands. In most cases, the rental company’s emergency hotline is the fastest and most efficient solution, so it is important to save their details in advance.
In addition, nationwide roadside assistance and towing services exist in Greece, including line 1154, which provides assistance for basic vehicle breakdowns. These services are not intended for life-threatening situations but are useful for towing or logistical issues.
Important Information for International Travelers – Embassies and Consular Assistance
Foreign Embassies in Greece
Citizens of all countries can utilize the consular services of their respective nations. Most foreign embassies in Greece are located in Athens, with some countries operating consulates in Thessaloniki and other major cities.
Embassies assist in cases of lost or stolen passports, arrests, severe accidents, hospitalization, or large-scale emergencies. In the event of a lost passport, you must first contact the local police to obtain a report, and only then proceed to your embassy to issue a travel document.
It is highly recommended to look up the contact details and address of your country’s embassy in Greece before your trip and save them on your phone.
A Few Tips Before You Go
It is recommended to save emergency numbers in your phone contacts rather than relying on a real-time search. It’s a good idea to prepare a short sentence in English describing your location, including the name of the island, village, or hotel. On islands and in rural areas, hotel staff, the local clinic, and sometimes ferry crews are important sources of knowledge and can help establish quick contact with emergency services. And in the moment of truth, remember that the emergency system in Greece functions well and is accustomed to working with tourists. Here are also a few Greek phrases that can help: