Emergencies · Help · Travel information

Essential information for Germany

Nationwide emergency and service numbers for residents and visitors. Save the most important contacts before your trip if possible.

Do not wait in an emergency.

Call the emergency services, give your exact location first, and briefly explain what has happened and how many people are affected. Do not hang up until the emergency operator ends the call.

Immediate help

112Call

Ambulance and fire service

For life-threatening emergencies, serious accidents and fires.

110Call

Polizei

For immediate danger or when an immediate police response is required.

Health

116 117Call

Out-of-hours medical service

For urgent but non-life-threatening complaints outside normal surgery hours. The telephone service is in German.

RegionalOfficial list

Poison control

The relevant number depends on the federal state or poison information centre.

Documents and administration

116 116Call

Block cards and identity documents

Blocking service for participating payment cards and electronic identity functions.

115Call

Public administration helpline

General questions about public administration; regional participation and availability may vary.

For travellers

Get help faster in an emergency

Have your address, town, street or GPS location ready.
Keep a copy of your passport, insurance number and medication list separately from the originals.
If you lose your identity documents, also contact your embassy or the relevant consulate.
Follow local alerts and instructions from the police, fire service and civil protection authorities.

Verified information

Official and institutional sources

Editorially checked on 23 August 2026. Numbers and responsibilities may change; if in doubt, follow the latest information from the responsible authority.