At a glance
The European emergency number is 112. Whether you're travelling in Belgium or elsewhere, it's essential to know who to call in a distress situation.
The European emergency number is 112. Whether you're travelling in Belgium or elsewhere, it's essential to know who to call in a distress situation.
112, the European emergency number
112 was introduced as the European emergency call number. It's the only free emergency number, valid across Europe and in certain neighbouring states. Reachable from both landlines and mobile phones, this emergency number can be dialled 24/7 to get immediate help from the fire service, a medical team or the police.
Countries covered by 112
The countries covered by 112 are as follows: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, FYROM (Macedonia), Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, Vatican City.
Emergency calls in other territories
In countries other than those listed above, emergency numbers are different (click here) and can vary depending on the type of help you need (ambulance, fire brigade, police). For example: in the USA and Canada, you need to call 911 to reach the emergency services.
Before travelling abroad, write down the emergency number for the country you're visiting in your travel documents, your diary and/or your mobile phone.
Calling 112 in an emergency
By dialling 112, you'll be put through to the emergency call centre for the territory you're in. If possible, use the language of the country in question. If you don't speak the language, keep in mind that information can always be communicated in English (and, depending on the country, in French, German or the language of a neighbouring country).
For the best possible communication with the emergency call centre, make sure you first work out:
- as precisely as possible, the location where you are and where the problem is happening
- the type of problem (accident, medical issue, security issue, fire, disaster, etc.)
- whether there are any injured people
With this information, the emergency services will be able to work out what resources need to be sent to you. Once you're on the phone, stay calm and be specific and precise in the information you give the operator.
For further information, frequently asked questions and examples of call types, check the information on the following websites: 112 sos and eena.org.
1722 in Belgium in the event of storms or flooding
The Belgian Interior Ministry activates the phone number 1722 in the event of a storm or flooding, for non-urgent fire brigade interventions, in other words when no life is in danger. You can also use the online portal www.1722.be.
Are you a Redion member and do you need medical assistance abroad? Click here to read the procedure to follow.
