Emergency Numbers in Greece 2026: A Tourist Safety Guide

⭐ Emergency Numbers in Greece: What Tourists Need to Know

Most travellers never need them — but knowing the emergency numbers in Greece can make a difficult moment calmer and safer. Whether you're visiting Rhodes, Athens, or any Greek island, emergencies are rare, but understanding who to call, what services exist, and how locals handle urgent situations can give you peace of mind.

As someone who lives in Rhodes and helps travellers often, I’ve seen everything from lost passports to small injuries, sudden weather changes, and even simple confusion about where to get help. This guide explains Greece’s emergency system in simple English, so you feel prepared — even if nothing goes wrong.

If you’re planning your visit to Rhodes, this article pairs naturally with the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 or even the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary, helping you feel confident from arrival to departure.

⭐ Who I Am & Why I Wrote This Guide

Hey traveller — I’m Looneytravels, your Rhodes local buddy. I've lived on the island for years, and I’ve seen how stressful small problems can feel when you're on holiday in another country. Even minor things — a twisted ankle on Old Town cobblestones, a wallet lost on the beach, a sudden allergic reaction — feel bigger when you’re unsure which number to call or how Greek services work.

I wrote this guide because “emergency numbers in Greece” are simple, but the details around when, why, and how to use them aren’t always clear. I want you to feel grounded and informed, the same way locals do. With the right numbers, a calm approach, and a little preparation, most issues become easy to handle.

⭐ Emergency Numbers in Greece: Overview for Travellers

Understanding emergency numbers in Greece is simple once you learn the main one: 112. This is the EU-wide emergency number, available everywhere in Greece — islands, rural areas, big cities. It connects you to emergency services in English (and other languages).

But knowing when to call 112, how Greek police and medical services work, and what other helpful numbers exist will give you more confidence. This overview breaks down everything you need to know before your holiday begins.

⭐ Why Greece Uses 112 as Its Main Emergency Number

112 is a European-wide number. That means:

• It works from any phone, including foreign numbers.

• It works even if your SIM has no credit.

• It works 24/7.

• Operators speak English.

• They connect you to the right department: ambulance, police, fire, or coast guard.

For tourists, it’s the safest starting point for any urgent situation.

⭐ Emergency Numbers in Greece for Medical Help, Police & Fire

While 112 is central, Greece also has traditional numbers:

• 100 — Police

• 199 — Fire Service

• 166 — Ambulance (EKAV)

• 108 — Coast Guard

• 171 — Tourist Police (English-speaking help for travel-related issues)

As you’ll see, any of these can help depending on the situation — but 112 remains the easiest for travellers.

⭐ Are Emergency Numbers in Greece Reliable?

Yes. Greece has a modern, centralized emergency system. Rhodes and other islands also have excellent Coast Guard coverage, strong ambulance networks, and police who handle tourist issues daily.

Most tourists are surprised at how quick and professional emergency responses are, especially for medical cases and sea-related incidents.

⭐ Essential Emergency Numbers in Greece (With Local Notes)

This is where we go beyond a list — I explain how locals use each number, what to expect, and when to choose one service over another.

⭐ 112 — The Main Emergency Number in Greece

This is always your safest choice.
When to call 112:

• Medical emergencies

• Fires or smoke

• Urgent accidents

• Lost person

• Dangerous sea conditions / water rescue

• Serious crimes

Here’s what happens:
You call → an operator answers in English → you describe the problem → they connect you instantly to police, ambulance, fire service, or coast guard.

Operators are calm, patient, and experienced with travellers.

Locals treat 112 as the “catch-all” number — helpful when you’re unsure which specific service you need.

⭐ 166 — Ambulance / Medical Emergencies (EKAV)

EKAV is Greece’s national ambulance service. They are experienced, well-organized, and handle everything from injuries to sudden illness.

Call 166 for:

• Falls or injuries

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing

• Allergic reactions

• Unconsciousness

• Any medical emergency

Locals often call 166 directly for faster medical response, but 112 works just as well since it routes you to EKAV.

⭐ 100 — Greek Police

Call 100 for:

• Theft

• Suspicious activity

• Personal safety concerns

• Lost passport (they guide you on next steps)

• Car or scooter accidents

Police in Greece are friendly with tourists and used to helping visitors with practical issues like reporting documents, contacting embassies, and understanding procedures.

⭐ 171 — Tourist Police (English-Friendly Assistance)

One of the most helpful emergency numbers in Greece that travellers often don’t know about.
Call 171 for:

• Noise or disturbance problems

• Issues with hotels, rentals, taxis, or businesses

• Lost items (non-urgent)

• Disputes or confusion

• Needing help communicating with someone in Greek

Tourist Police officers often speak very good English and are trained specifically for assisting visitors.

⭐ 108 — Coast Guard / Sea Emergency

If you're in Rhodes or any island, this is a key number.
Call 108 for:

• Swimmer in trouble

• Boat issues

• Missing person at sea

• Jet ski / water-sport accidents

• Dangerous currents

The Aegean has strong currents in some places — the Coast Guard responds quickly and effectively.

⭐ 199 — Fire Department

Called for:

• Fire or smoke

• Road accidents

• Rescues

• Natural disasters (rare but possible)

Even on islands with forested areas, fire response is organized and fast.

⭐ When to Use Emergency Numbers in Greece (Local Scenarios)

As a Rhodes local, here are the moments I've seen tourists get confused:

✔ Lost passport: Call Police (100) — they tell you where to file the report.
✔ Bee sting allergy: Call 166 — ambulances carry allergy-response kits.
✔ Lost on a nature trail: Call 112 — they locate you via phone.
✔ Rough sea conditions: Call 108 (Coast Guard).
✔ Hotel overbooking issues: Call Tourist Police (171).
✔ Scooter accident: Call 112 or 100 + 166 depending on injury.

Knowing which number to call makes the situation calmer.

⭐ Rhodes-Specific Emergency Tips (From a Local)

Rhodes is safe, but here’s what travellers should know:

⭐ 1. Heat & Dehydration Are the Most Common “Emergencies”

Most calls in summer aren’t dramatic — they’re from dehydration, dizziness, or sun exhaustion.
To avoid that:

• Drink often.

• Use sunscreen.

• Avoid long sun exposure between 1pm–4pm.

Always carry water — a tip you’ll see often in the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026.

⭐ 2. Scooter & ATV Accidents Are the Second Most Common

Scooters are popular, but roads can be windy or uneven.
Wear helmets — it’s the law and saves lives.
Call 112 or 166 if injured.

⭐ 3. Sea Conditions Change Quickly

Even the clearest morning can become windy.
The Coast Guard (108) handles sea cases quickly, especially in Rhodes where water sports are common.

⭐ 4. Old Town Paths Are Slippery

Those beautiful medieval stones get polished over centuries.
Twisted ankles, slips, or scrapes happen.
166 handles these quickly.

⭐ 5. Lost Items Are Usually Returned

Locals often hand items to police.
If you lose something important — call 100 or Tourist Police (171).

⭐ Helpful Non-Emergency Numbers & Local Services

Although not emergency numbers, these help tourists often:

• Embassy hotlines (depending on your country)

• Pharmacies (excellent, helpful, often speak English)

• Hospitals & clinics in Rhodes town

• Local taxi numbers

• Travel insurance support lines

If you need help finding the right service, 171 (Tourist Police) is your best starting point.

⭐ External Expert References

112 as Greece’s general emergency number (works in English across the EU) — official info from the Greek civil-protection website.

Coast Guard emergency number: 108 — listed among national emergency numbers on the official government service list.

⭐ Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Numbers in Greece

⭐ What is the best emergency number for tourists to remember in Greece?

If you remember only one number, make it 112. It’s the EU-wide emergency number and works everywhere in Greece — cities, islands, highways, rural areas. Operators speak English, and they route your call to ambulance, police, fire, or coast guard instantly.

Even locals use 112 when they want simple, fast help without thinking about which service applies. It also works from foreign phones, even without credit. So for travellers, 112 is always the safest first call in any serious situation.

⭐ What should I do if I lose my passport while travelling in Greece?

If you lose your passport, stay calm — it happens often. First, contact the police (100) to file an official lost property report. You will need this document before your embassy or consulate can issue an emergency travel document or new passport. Police are used to this and will guide you.

Then call or visit your embassy. On Rhodes, many consulates also have local support or hotlines. Keep digital copies of your passport — they make the process much easier.

⭐ What number should I call for a medical emergency in Greece?

You can call 166 (ambulance / EKAV) or simply 112, which routes you directly to emergency medical services. Ambulance teams in Greece are trained, experienced, and respond quickly — especially on islands, where they handle everything from beach injuries to allergic reactions.

If the emergency is less urgent (like minor cuts or sunburn), pharmacies in Greece are very helpful and can often assist without needing an ambulance.

⭐ How do I contact the Coast Guard in Greece?

For any sea-related emergency — swimmer in trouble, missing person, boating issues, dangerous currents — call 108, the Greek Coast Guard. They respond extremely quickly, especially on islands like Rhodes where sea safety is a daily priority.

If you’re unsure whether something counts as a “sea emergency,” call 112 and they will connect you to the correct service.

⭐ Is Greece safe for tourists? Will I likely need these numbers?

Greece is one of the safest travel destinations in Europe. Most travellers never need emergency numbers. The most common issues are minor: dehydration, minor falls, sunburn, or lost items.

But knowing emergency numbers in Greece makes your trip feel more confident, especially if you're travelling with kids or exploring islands with beaches, hikes, and boat trips.

⭐ Do emergency services in Greece speak English?

Yes — especially through 112, where operators speak English and will connect you to the appropriate emergency service. Police and ambulance teams in tourist areas also frequently speak English or can communicate well enough to assist you.

If language becomes a challenge in less urgent moments, the Tourist Police (171) can translate, explain procedures, and help you communicate with locals.

⭐ Final Thoughts

You probably won’t need to use emergency numbers in Greece, but knowing them gives you calm confidence. Whether you’re sunbathing in Tsambika, exploring Rhodes Old Town, driving to Prasonisi, or hopping between beaches, Greece’s emergency system is straightforward and reliable.

If you’re planning your trip, pairing this knowledge with the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 or the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary gives you everything you need for a safe, smooth, enjoyable holiday. And if anything unexpected happens — now you know exactly who to call, how things work, and what to expect.

Travel safe, take things slow, and enjoy Greece with peace of mind.