Emergency Numbers in Greece: Which to Call and What to Say

In Greece, 112 is the European emergency number: it is free, works from any phone and connects you to an operator who can speak English. For a direct line, dial 166 for an ambulance (EKAB), 100 for police, 199 for the fire service and 108 for the coast guard.

The direct numbers reach the service itself, usually in Greek. 112 is the better choice if you do not speak Greek, do not know which service you need, or are calling about several things at once (a crash with a fire, for example). All numbers below are as of November 2026.

Which emergency numbers should you save?

Save the poison centre number with the city code, since it is a regular landline. Some older guides list 171 for the tourist police; the official visitor advice of the Greek National Tourism Organisation uses 1571.

When should you call 112 instead of a direct number?

Call 112 when you are unsure, when you need English, or when you are outside Athens and do not know the local setup. The operator routes the call to EKAB, police, fire or coast guard. Calling 166 directly can save a step for a clear medical emergency if you can explain the address in Greek or simple English.

What should you say on an emergency call?

1. Where you are. Street name and number, area (Koukaki, Pangrati), floor, and the name on the doorbell. Greek addresses are often written differently on maps, so add a landmark or nearest metro station.
2. What happened. Accident, fire, someone collapsed, a fight.
3. How many people are hurt and whether they are conscious and breathing.
4. Your phone number. Stay on the line until the operator ends the call.

Many Athens apartment buildings have a locked street door. Send someone down to meet the ambulance, or tell the operator the door code. Write your full address in Greek letters in your phone notes so you can read it out.

How do 112 alert messages work?

Greek civil protection sends warnings to phones in an area through the 112 system, using cell broadcast. The message appears on screen with a loud tone, even on silent on many phones, and you do not need to register. Messages are typically sent in Greek and English.

The alerts are used for wildfires, floods, storms and other hazards. Some tell you to stay indoors; others tell you to leave an area in a named direction. An evacuation message is an instruction, not advice. You can also register for SMS, email and voice-call alerts through the 112 GR-Alert service on gov.gr. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection explains the system and publishes daily fire-risk maps. Our guides to wildfire season in Attica and earthquake preparedness in Athens explain what to do after a specific alert.

Which hospital in Athens takes emergencies tonight?

Public hospitals in Attica receive emergencies on a daily rota called efimeries, split by specialty. The Ministry of Health publishes the day’s list on moh.gov.gr, and directory sites copy it with maps. An ambulance crew takes you to the right hospital on duty, so in a real emergency call 166 or 112 rather than finding a hospital yourself.

For a problem that is urgent but not life-threatening, check the duty list first. Big general hospitals near the center include Evangelismos (Kolonaki), Laiko and Sotiria (Goudi area) and the children’s hospitals Agia Sofia and Aglaia Kyriakou in Goudi. They are on duty on different days. Our guide to public healthcare in Greece explains what is free.

What about non-emergency medical help at night?

Private home-visit doctor services operate in Athens and charge a fee. For medicines, use the duty rota in our guide to pharmacies on duty in Athens. Emergency treatment at public hospitals is free, even for people without Greek insurance; private clinics with their own emergency departments charge unless your insurance covers them.

How do you report a crime or a lost passport?

For a theft or loss that is not urgent, go to the police station (astynomiko tmima) for the area where it happened and ask for a written report. Insurers and consulates usually ask for that report. In central Athens, the Tourist Police can take reports in English and help visitors with complaints. Take your ID, any receipts and a list of what was taken.

If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the police first and then contact your embassy or consulate in Athens for an emergency travel document. Residents should also tell the office that issued their residence permit, since the card number is linked to the passport. Keep photos of your passport, residence permit and AMKA in a secure place on your phone so replacements are faster.

Bottom line

Put 112, 166 and the poison centre into your phone today, and add your address in Greek letters to your notes. If you live with others, agree on a meeting point outside the building for fires and earthquakes.

FAQ

Can I call 112 without a SIM card or credit?

Emergency calls to 112 are free. Calls from phones with no SIM are handled differently by networks, so use a working SIM if you can.

Does 112 answer in English?

Yes, 112 operators handle calls in English as well as Greek.

Can I turn off 112 alerts?

The most serious alert level cannot be switched off on most phones. Keep alerts on: they are how evacuation orders reach people.

Is the ambulance free?

EKAB ambulance transport for an emergency is free of charge.