Who to Call in an Emergency Abroad? Key Numbers

The answer to who to call in an emergency abroad is a two-step process: if there is a risk to life safety, first call the local emergency line of the country you are in, then call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Call Center. The Center operates 24/7; it can also be reached via WhatsApp at +90 312 292 29 29. Below are country-specific numbers and steps to follow.

In brief

• For life safety, call the local emergency line first, then the Consular Call Center.
• The main number is +90 312 292 29 29; it is open 24/7 and reachable via WhatsApp.
• The US, Germany, the UK, Austria, the Netherlands and France have separate local numbers.
• Write the numbers on paper as well; your phone may be stolen or run out of battery.
• Verify the local emergency number for your destination country from an official source before you leave.

The essence of the rule: two lines, two roles

In an emergency, two separate institutions come into play, and their roles differ.

• Local emergency line: For any situation requiring immediate response, such as ambulance, police or fire services, this line is called first. The consulate cannot call an ambulance on your behalf.
• Consular Call Center: Guides citizens in extraordinary situations. In cases such as hospitalization, arrest, accident, natural disaster or passport loss, you receive information and guidance.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Call Center operates 24/7. The number +90 312 292 29 29 can be called from all countries. The same number can also be reached via WhatsApp; in case of a poor line or expensive roaming, a written message may make things easier.

The local emergency number varies from country to country. Learn this number before you set off and write it both in your phone and on paper. This article does not provide local numbers; verify them from the official page of your destination country.

Consular Call Center numbers by country

The Center's main number can be called from all countries. Some countries also have a local number; you can use these to avoid international call charges.

• All countries: +90 312 292 29 29 (also reachable via WhatsApp)
• US and Canada: +1 888 656 7656
• Germany: +49 30 568373099
• UK: +44 20 3608 8090
• Austria: +43 800 007090
• Netherlands: +31 10 766 0007
• France: +33 1 80146335

If you are in a country not on this list, use the main number. Save these numbers in your phone contacts under "Emergency Consular". Because if your phone is stolen or your battery runs out, a saved contact will not help; so write the same numbers on a printed paper and carry it somewhere separate from your wallet in your luggage.

Numbers may change over time. Check the current version on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page before you travel.

Who should you call in which situation?

The type of situation determines who you call first.

Life safety at risk

If there is an accident, severe injury, fire, assault or sudden illness, call the local emergency line first. If speaking is difficult, say your address and country slowly; if there is a hotel reception, ask them for help too. Once the situation has calmed down, inform the Consular Call Center.

Detention, arrest or legal issue

If the police detain you, state your identity and say you want to speak with the Turkish consulate. Call the Call Center to report the situation. Do not sign any document you do not understand without a translation.

Passport loss or theft

First go to the local police and get a report. Then call the Call Center and ask for guidance. If you have a photocopy and photo of your passport, the process speeds up.

Natural disaster or crisis in the country

Report your location and the number of people with you to the Call Center. If phone lines are busy, a WhatsApp message may get through more easily.

For issues such as insurance, lost credit card and flight cancellation, also call the relevant company's own emergency line.

Common mistakes

Time lost in an emergency often comes from simple precautions not taken in advance.

• Keeping the number only on your phone. If your phone is stolen or breaks, you cannot reach any number. Write it on paper too.
• Making the first call to the consulate. If life safety is at risk, the local emergency line is called first; the consulate does not carry out on-site intervention.
• Assuming the consulate building is open at all hours. The building operates during office hours. Outside office hours, the channel you need to reach is the Call Center.
• Traveling with roaming turned off. You may not be able to call the local number. Have a local line or eSIM plan for your destination country; otherwise you can reach out via WhatsApp over Wi-Fi.
• Not having a copy of identity documents. Send a photo of your passport page to your cloud account and to your relatives.
• Not knowing your accommodation address. You need to know your hotel's name and address so a rescue team can find you.

If you have a visa problem, there is no useful information on this page; for that, see the article what to do after a visa refusal.

Step by step: what to do when you experience an emergency?

Following an order during a panic moment makes things easier.

1. Move to a safe place. If possible, go to a crowded, well-lit place with staff present.
2. Call the local emergency line. This is the first thing to do if there is an injury, assault or fire. State the address, country and what happened briefly.
3. Call the Consular Call Center. Use +90 312 292 29 29 or the local number given for the country you are in. A WhatsApp message is also an option.
4. Have your information ready to state. Full name, passport number, the city you are in, the address where you are staying, and a reachable phone number.
5. Inform your relatives. Assign a person to follow up on your behalf.
6. Call your insurance and card bank. If there is a medical expense or a lost card, report it to their own emergency lines.
7. Keep written records. Save documents such as police reports, hospital reports and invoices.

Take notes of the instructions given during the call and confirm them again.

Checklist before you set off

Complete your preparation a few days before the trip. If you are going on a group tour, also learn the guide's emergency plan; in tours abroad this information is included in the tour program, but prepare your own backup anyway.

• Write the Consular Call Center numbers in your phone and on paper: +90 312 292 29 29 and the local number for your destination country, if any.
• Verify your destination country's local emergency number from an official source.
• Keep a photo of your passport's identity page in the cloud and with your relatives.
• Carry your travel health insurance policy and the insurance's emergency line number.
• Note down the hotel's name, address and phone number.
• Arrange an international line, eSIM or Wi-Fi plan for your phone; get a charger and a spare battery.
• If you will be driving, prepare your international driving license documents.
• Carry the list and prescription of any medications you regularly use.

It is enough to prepare this list once and update it for every trip.

Frequently asked questions

Which number should I call first in an emergency abroad?

If life safety is at risk, call the local emergency line of the country you are in first. Then reach the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Call Center at +90 312 292 29 29. The local line intervenes, while the center guides you.

Is the Consular Call Center open 24/7?

Yes. It operates 24/7 for extraordinary situations. +90 312 292 29 29 can be called from all countries. Since consulate buildings operate during office hours, this line is used at night and on weekends.

Can the Consular Call Center be reached via WhatsApp?

Yes. +90 312 292 29 29 can also be reached via WhatsApp. If roaming is expensive or voice calls do not connect, sending a written message over Wi-Fi is a practical way.

Which number should I call in the US or Germany?

For the US and Canada, +1 888 656 7656 can be used; for Germany, +49 30 568373099. The main number +90 312 292 29 29 also works from every country. Confirm the current numbers before you set off.

Who should I call if my passport is stolen?

First go to the local police and get a report. Then call the Consular Call Center and ask for guidance. If you have a photocopy and photo of your passport, the process becomes easier.

Does the consulate call an ambulance or the police?

No. The consulate and the call center are not an immediate-response team. For ambulance, police and fire services, the local emergency line is called; the call center informs and guides you.

Sources

• Consular Guide for Those Traveling Abroad / Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs — mfa.gov.tr