Emergency numbers in Poland: What to dial and when

If you need help in Poland, dial 112 — it's the number that works for any emergency and connects you to police, fire, or ambulance services. Save it, along with a few specific numbers below, before you need them.

What number do I call in an emergency?

Dial 112 for any genuine emergency — road accidents, severe injuries, fires, thefts, robberies, or other immediate threats to life, health, property, or public order. You can also use the specific lines: Police 997, Fire Service 998, and Ambulance Service 999. Only call these numbers for real emergencies requiring immediate intervention — misuse can lead to detention, restriction of liberty, or a fine of PLN 1,500 (penalty amount current as of late 2026; confirm with local authorities as it may change).

Who do I call for a medical emergency?

For a public ambulance, dial 112 or 999. If you prefer a private provider, Luxmed Emergency Assistance can be reached at 22 322 9999, and Falck at 1 96 75. It's worth confirming current contact details with these providers directly before you travel, as numbers and hours may change.

What if I lose my passport or run out of money?

If you lose your passport or ID, contact the nearest Polish consular office. A consul can confirm your identity and issue a temporary passport to allow you to return to your place of residence — you'll need a completed application form and one color passport photograph.

If you lose your financial means, a consul can help you contact relatives or friends so they can send money via bank or money transfer services. In particularly justified cases where no other option exists, a consul may disburse funds that relatives have deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In especially justified cases, a consul can also provide financial assistance for the cheapest available return transport to Poland, provided you commit in writing to repay it once you're back.

Note: consular assistance varies by country and situation, so specific cases may need direct consultation with your consulate.

How do U.S. citizens reach their embassy?

The U.S. Embassy in Warsaw is at Aleje Ujazdowskie 29/31. The main line is +48 (22) 504-2000, and American Citizens Services can be reached at +48 (22) 504-2784, or +1 703-988-7101 when calling from the United States (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. local Polish time). There's also a U.S. Consulate General in Kraków and a U.S. Consular Agent in Poznań.

What about car trouble on Polish roads?

For roadside assistance, the Polish Automobile Association (Polski Związek Motorowy Auto-Tour) offers 24/7 help with multilingual operators. Reach them at (22) 532-8403 or by email at autotour@pzm.pl.

FAQ

Is 112 free and does it work for all emergencies? Yes, 112 is the general emergency number for any genuine emergency in Poland, connecting to police, fire, or ambulance as needed — but it should only be used for real emergencies, not general inquiries.

What should I bring if I need a replacement passport? A completed application form and one color passport photograph, along with your consulate's help confirming your identity.

Can a consul give me cash if I'm stranded? Only in particularly justified cases, and typically by facilitating transfers from relatives or, if no other option exists, disbursing funds relatives have deposited with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sources

• https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Poland.html
• Emergency Numbers Poland 2026: Foreigner's Guide - LegalSol
• https://www.gov.pl/web/your-europe/what-and-how-to-report
• https://pl.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/243/2025/07/How-to-Act-in-Case-of-Medical-Emergency.pdf
• https://www.gov.pl/web/dyplomacja/jakiej-pomocy-moze-udzielic-konsul
• https://pl.usembassy.gov/services/