Overview of Safety Services in Greece
Greece maintains a comprehensive network of emergency and safety services managed by the state. As of 2025, the system is increasingly integrated with digital platforms, allowing residents and visitors to receive real-time alerts and access assistance through both traditional and electronic channels. Foreign nationals residing in Greece are entitled to emergency assistance regardless of their residency status, though long-term administrative procedures may require specific documentation.
The primary authority for public order is the Hellenic Police (Elliniki Astynomia), while medical emergencies are handled by the National Centers for Emergency Care (EKAB). Safety protocols in Greece also place significant emphasis on civil protection due to the region's susceptibility to seismic activity and seasonal wildfires.
Emergency Contact Numbers
The most critical number to remember in Greece is 112. This is the European emergency number, which acts as a centralized dispatch for police, fire, and medical services. It is available 24/7, free of charge, and can be reached from any mobile or landline, even without a SIM card.
- 112: General European Emergency Number (Multilingual support available).
- 100: Hellenic Police (Police emergencies).
- 166: EKAB (Ambulance and medical emergencies).
- 199: Fire Service (Wildfires, urban fires, and rescue operations).
- 108: Coast Guard (Maritime emergencies and sea rescue).
- 171: Tourist Police (Specific assistance for foreigners and tourism-related issues).
Note: Operators for the 112 service are trained to communicate in multiple languages, including English, French, and German, making it the preferred choice for foreign nationals who do not speak Greek.
Law Enforcement and Public Security
Public security in Greece is overseen by the Ministry of Citizen Protection. The Hellenic Police operate nationwide, with specialized units in urban and rural areas. For foreign residents, the Tourist Police is a vital sub-division. These officers often speak foreign languages and are specifically trained to assist with issues such as theft of travel documents, disputes with service providers, or general navigation of Greek bureaucracy in emergency settings.
If you are a victim of a crime, you must report the incident to the nearest police station (Astynomiko Tmima). If your passport or residence permit is stolen, a police report is mandatory for the replacement process at your respective embassy or the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
Filing a Police Report
There is generally no fee for filing a basic police report for a crime. However, if you require an official certified copy of a report for insurance purposes or administrative use, a small administrative fee (stamp duty) may apply. In 2025, this fee is typically around 15 EUR ($16 USD, May 2025).
Medical Emergencies and Hospitals
Medical emergency services are provided by the National Center for Emergency Care (EKAB). In the event of a life-threatening situation, dialing 166 or 112 will dispatch a public ambulance to transport the patient to the nearest "on-call" public hospital.
In Greece, not every hospital is open for emergencies 24 hours a day. The system operates on a rotation basis called Efimeria. To find out which hospital is currently on duty in your area, you can:
- Call 14944 (Telephonist-assisted directory, small fee applies).
- Check the official Ministry of Health website.
- Check local pharmacy windows, which often list on-duty hospitals and pharmacies.
Costs of Emergency Medical Care
For emergencies, public hospital treatment is generally provided regardless of insurance status at the point of entry. However, for non-emergency services or follow-up care:
- EU Citizens: Should present a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Non-EU Residents: Must have private health insurance or be registered with the Greek national insurance (AMKA).
- Private Care: A visit to a private emergency clinic without insurance can cost between 80 EUR ($87 USD, May 2025) and 150 EUR ($163 USD, May 2025) for the initial consultation.
Civil Protection and Natural Hazards
Greece faces specific environmental risks, most notably wildfires during the summer months and earthquakes throughout the year. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection manages these risks. The 112 system is used to send "Cell Broadcast" alerts to all mobile phones in a specific geographic area during an unfolding emergency.
Wildfire Safety
During the high-risk season (May to October), the government issues a Daily Fire Risk Map. Residents are prohibited from performing outdoor activities that could spark a fire (e.g., burning dry vegetation or outdoor barbecues in forested areas). Violation of these rules can result in fines starting from 500 EUR ($543 USD, May 2025) up to significant criminal penalties.
Earthquake Protocols
Greece is one of the most seismically active countries in Europe. Modern buildings are constructed under strict anti-seismic regulations. In the event of an earthquake, the standard protocol is "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." Information on evacuation points in your municipality can be found at local town halls (Dimarcheio).
Detailed safety guidelines in English are available on the Official Civil Protection Portal.
Practical Steps for Foreign Residents
To ensure maximum safety while living in Greece, foreign nationals are encouraged to follow these administrative steps:
- Register with your Embassy: Many embassies have a "Smart Traveler" or registration program to contact you during national emergencies.
- Enable 112 Alerts: Ensure your smartphone settings allow "Emergency Alerts" or "Public Safety Alerts."
- Identify your local AT: Locate the nearest Astynomiko Tmima (Police Station) and the nearest 24-hour pharmacy in your neighborhood.
- AMKA/PAAYPA: Ensure your social security number is active if you are working or residing long-term, as this simplifies hospital administration.