Knowing the right emergency numbers in Spain before you travel can save valuable minutes when it matters most. Whether you're hiking in the Picos de Europa, driving along the Costa del Sol, or navigating the busy streets of Madrid, understanding who to call and what to expect will help you respond calmly to any situation. Spain has a well-organized emergency response system with dedicated numbers for different services, most operated in multiple languages to assist international visitors.
This guide answers 13 of the most common questions travelers ask about Spain emergency numbers, covering everything from the universal 112 line to tourist-specific hotlines, embassy contacts, and what to do if you're robbed. Bookmark this page or save the key numbers to your phone before your trip.
General Emergency Contacts
What is the main emergency number in Spain?
The main emergency number in Spain is 112. It's the free, universal European emergency line that connects you to police, fire, and medical services from any phone — mobile or landline, with or without a SIM card, and even from a locked screen.
Operators at 112 speak Spanish, English, French, German, and often other languages depending on the region (Catalan in Catalonia, Basque in the Basque Country, Galician in Galicia). When you call, you'll be asked your location, the nature of the emergency, and details about anyone injured. Stay on the line until the operator tells you it's safe to hang up.
112 works throughout the entire European Union, so if you've used it elsewhere in Europe, the process in Spain will feel familiar. It operates 24/7, is completely free, and there's no penalty for genuine emergencies — though prank calls are prosecuted. For most travelers, 112 is the only number you need to remember.
Are there separate numbers for police, fire, and ambulance in Spain?
Yes, Spain has dedicated numbers for each service, though 112 routes you to all of them. If you know exactly which service you need, calling directly can sometimes be faster.
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091 – Policía Nacional (National Police): for serious crimes, immigration issues, and incidents in urban areas
062 – Guardia Civil: covers rural areas, highways, borders, and coastal zones
092 – Policía Local (Local/Municipal Police): traffic issues, minor incidents, and neighborhood matters
080 – Fire Brigade (Bomberos) in most cities
061 – Medical emergencies and ambulance (SAMU/SUMMA)
In some regions, autonomous police forces have their own numbers: 088 for the Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia and 112 routes to the Ertzaintza in the Basque Country. Unless you have a specific reason to call a direct number, 112 remains the simplest choice — the dispatcher will route you to the correct service.
Can I call Spanish emergency numbers from a foreign SIM or without credit?
Yes, you can call 112 and other emergency numbers from any phone in Spain, even without a SIM card, without credit, or with a foreign carrier. By EU regulation, emergency calls are always free and always connected.
If you're roaming on a non-EU plan, standard roaming charges don't apply to 112 calls. Even if your phone shows "No Service" or "Emergency Calls Only," you can still dial 112 — the phone will connect through whichever network has the strongest signal, not necessarily your carrier. This is particularly useful in remote areas like the Pyrenees or rural Andalusia where coverage varies.
Smartphones also support Advanced Mobile Location (AML), which automatically sends your GPS coordinates to the 112 operator when you call — no app required. This works on both iPhone and Android devices sold in the EU and dramatically speeds up response times in rural or unfamiliar locations.
Police & Safety
Which police force should I contact if I'm robbed as a tourist?
For theft or robbery, call 091 (Policía Nacional) in cities or 062 (Guardia Civil) in rural or coastal areas. You can also dial 112. To file an official report — required for insurance claims — you'll need to visit a police station or use the denuncia telefónica service.
Call 902 102 112 (the tourist-friendly police reporting line) to file a report by phone in English, French, German, Italian, or Portuguese. You'll still need to visit a station within 72 hours to sign the document, but the report itself is prepared in advance, saving significant time.
In major tourist areas like Madrid's Puerta del Sol, Barcelona's Las Ramblas, and Seville's city center, dedicated Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero (SATE) offices exist specifically for foreign visitors. Officers there speak multiple languages and help with reports, contacting embassies, canceling credit cards, and arranging emergency documents. The Madrid SATE office is at Calle Leganitos 19, near Plaza de España.
Always get a copy of the denuncia — travel insurance companies and consulates will require it.
Is there a specific hotline for tourists in Spain?
Yes, Spain operates a dedicated tourist assistance line: 902 102 112. This multilingual service helps foreign visitors report crimes, replace stolen documents, and get connected to relevant consulates. Operators speak English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Japanese.
Additionally, major cities host SATE (Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero) desks — physical offices staffed by multilingual officers who can help with everything from filing reports to guiding you through document replacement. You'll find SATE offices in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Málaga, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and other tourist hubs.
For non-emergency travel questions — lost belongings on public transport, general safety concerns, or directions to your embassy — city tourist offices (oficinas de turismo) also provide assistance during business hours. Barcelona's main tourist office at Plaça de Catalunya and Madrid's at Plaza Mayor both offer emergency guidance for visitors.
Medical Emergencies
What number do I call for an ambulance in Spain?
Call 061 for an ambulance, or 112 for any medical emergency. Both are free and staffed 24/7. In life-threatening situations — chest pain, severe bleeding, unconsciousness, stroke symptoms — call immediately and don't attempt to drive to a hospital yourself.
Spain's public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) provides emergency care to everyone regardless of nationality or insurance status. EU citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or GHIC receive treatment on the same terms as Spanish residents. Non-EU travelers, including Americans, British visitors post-Brexit, and Canadians, will typically be billed — travel insurance is essential.
For non-life-threatening issues, Spanish cities operate Centros de Salud (health centers) and Urgencias (emergency rooms). A visit to an emergency room without insurance typically costs between $180 and $450, depending on the region and treatment. Pharmacies (farmacias) marked with a green cross can also handle minor issues, and every city has at least one farmacia de guardia open 24 hours — locations are posted on any pharmacy's front door.
How do I find a 24-hour pharmacy in Spain?
Every Spanish town has a rotating 24-hour pharmacy system called farmacia de guardia. To find the nearest one, check the notice posted on the door of any closed pharmacy, look for illuminated green cross signs, or dial 098 in many regions for the automated pharmacy locator.
You can also use the official Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Farmacéuticos website (portalfarma.com) or apps like Mapa Farmacias and iFarma, which show open pharmacies in real time based on your location. In tourist areas, at least one pharmacy is almost always open at any hour.
Spanish pharmacists have significant training and can advise on many minor conditions without a prescription. Common medications like antibiotics require a prescription (receta), but painkillers, allergy medication, and treatments for minor infections are readily available over the counter. Expect to pay $4–$15 for most non-prescription items.
Regional & Specialized Numbers
Are there different emergency numbers for the Canary and Balearic Islands?
No, the same national emergency numbers apply throughout all of Spain, including the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla. Dial 112 for any emergency, whether you're in Tenerife, Mallorca, or mainland Barcelona.
That said, island-specific services exist for maritime and mountain rescues. The Salvamento Marítimo (Maritime Rescue) service handles sea emergencies and can be reached through 112 or directly at 900 202 202. This is critical for boating accidents, swimmers in distress, or anyone stranded on remote coastlines — common in the Balearics and the Canaries.
For mountain rescues in Tenerife's Mount Teide National Park, La Palma, or Gran Canaria's interior, 112 dispatches specialized units including helicopter teams. Response times in remote island locations can range from 20 minutes to over an hour, so always inform someone of your hiking route before heading out.
What number should I call for a car accident or roadside emergency?
Call 112 for any accident involving injuries. For non-injury roadside emergencies — breakdowns, flat tires, running out of fuel — contact your rental company or roadside assistance provider directly.
The Guardia Civil de Tráfico handles highway incidents and can be reached at 062. They manage traffic accidents, road closures, and driving-related crimes. Spain's national traffic authority, DGT, provides real-time road information at 011 for traffic conditions, closures, and weather-related driving alerts.
Major roadside assistance providers operating in Spain include RACE (900 100 992) and RACC (900 357 357). Rental car companies typically include 24-hour assistance — check the paperwork for the correct number before you depart. If you're involved in an accident, exchange information with the other driver, take photos, and complete the declaración amistosa (European accident statement) if it's available.
Is there a specific number for domestic violence or gender-based emergencies?
Yes, dial 016 for confidential support in cases of gender-based violence. The service is free, operates 24/7, doesn't appear on phone bills, and offers assistance in 52 languages including English, French, German, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
The 016 line provides legal information, psychological support, and connects callers to local resources including shelters and emergency accommodation. For immediate physical danger, call 112 or 091 instead — 016 is an information and support line, not an emergency dispatch service.
Text and WhatsApp support is available at 600 000 016, and email assistance through 016-online@igualdad.gob.es. Deaf and hearing-impaired users can access support through the ATENPRO app or via SMS. The service is available to anyone in Spain regardless of nationality or immigration status.
Contacting Your Embassy
How do I contact my embassy in an emergency?
Most major embassies in Spain are located in Madrid, with consulates in Barcelona and other major cities. Save your embassy's emergency line to your phone before you travel — most operate 24-hour hotlines for citizens abroad.
Key embassy contacts in Madrid:
US Embassy: +34 91 587 2200
UK Embassy: +34 91 714 6300
Canadian Embassy: +34 91 382 8400
Australian Embassy: +34 91 353 6600
Irish Embassy: +34 91 436 4093
Embassies assist with lost or stolen passports, arrest notifications, medical evacuations, and family emergencies. They cannot pay medical bills, provide legal representation, or help you avoid local laws. Emergency passport replacements typically cost $150–$200 and can be issued within 24–72 hours in urgent cases.
If your passport is stolen, first file a police report (denuncia), then contact your embassy with the report number. Barcelona has consulates for most major countries, which can handle document replacement without a trip to Madrid.
What should I do if I lose my passport in Spain?
Report the loss to the police immediately by calling 091 or visiting a station to file a denuncia, then contact your embassy or consulate to arrange a replacement. You'll need the police report number to process an emergency passport.
Bring identification (a driver's license, ID card, or a photocopy of your passport helps significantly), passport-sized photos (available at photo shops or automated booths for around $8), and payment for the replacement fee. Most embassies accept card or cash payments.
Emergency travel documents are typically issued within 24 to 72 hours, though same-day service is sometimes possible for confirmed onward flights. If you have digital copies of your passport stored in email or cloud storage, provide them — this speeds up verification considerably. Before traveling, always store scans of your passport, insurance, and key documents in a secure cloud location.
Do Spanish emergency operators speak English?
Yes, 112 operators throughout Spain speak English, and most also handle French and German. In major tourist regions like the Costa del Sol, Balearic Islands, and Canary Islands, additional languages including Dutch, Italian, and Russian are typically available.
If you're not immediately connected to an English speaker, say "English, please" clearly and stay on the line — the operator will transfer you to a colleague or bring in an interpreter. Even in smaller towns, 112 dispatchers have access to a translation service that connects them to interpreters within minutes.
That said, learning a few key Spanish emergency phrases can be helpful: "Ayuda" (help), "Emergencia" (emergency), "Necesito una ambulancia" (I need an ambulance), "Me han robado" (I've been robbed), and "¿Dónde está el hospital?" (Where is the hospital?). Even basic Spanish shows respect and can speed up communication when every second counts.
Quick Reference Summary Table
| Question (shortened) | Quick Answer | |---|---| | Main emergency number in Spain? | 112 — free, multilingual, works for all services | | Separate numbers for police, fire, ambulance? | Yes: 091, 092, 062 (police), 080 (fire), 061 (ambulance) | | Call emergency numbers without a SIM or credit? | Yes, all emergency calls are free from any phone | | Who to call if robbed as a tourist? | 091 or 112; file report via 902 102 112 or SATE office | | Dedicated tourist hotline? | Yes — 902 102 112, multilingual | | Ambulance number? | 061 or 112 | | Finding a 24-hour pharmacy? | Check any pharmacy door, dial 098, or use farmacia apps | | Different numbers in the islands? | No — 112 works across all of Spain | | Car accident number? | 112 for injuries; 062 for highway incidents | | Domestic violence hotline? | 016 — free, confidential, 52 languages | | How to contact my embassy? | Save embassy 24-hour line; consulates in Barcelona and beyond | | What if I lose my passport? | File police report, then contact embassy for replacement | | Do operators speak English? | Yes, plus French, German, and often more languages |
Final Thoughts
Being prepared with the right emergency contacts turns a potential crisis into a manageable situation. Save 112 to your phone before you arrive in Spain, note your embassy's number, and store digital copies of your key documents somewhere accessible. For most travelers, the trip will be smooth — but knowing what to do just in case brings peace of mind.
Explore more practical guides on Spain Unveiled covering travel insurance, regional safety tips, and navigating Spanish healthcare as a visitor. We regularly update this information to reflect current numbers and services. Have a question we didn't cover? Leave a comment or reach out — we're always adding to our traveler resources.
