What number do I call for emergencies in the UK?

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies requiring police, ambulance, or fire services. For non-emergency medical advice, call 111. For non-emergency police matters, call 101. The European emergency number 112 also works in the UK and connects to the same services as 999.

Will I be charged for calling an ambulance in the UK?

No. Emergency ambulance services are free for everyone in the UK, regardless of immigration status. You will not receive a bill for the ambulance. Emergency treatment at A&E (accident and emergency) is also free for everyone, though follow-up treatment may be charged to those not ordinarily resident in the UK.

Can I call the police without affecting my visa?

Yes. Calling the police to report a crime or seek help does not affect your immigration status. The police do not routinely share information with immigration authorities. If you are a victim of crime, you should report it. Domestic violence victims have specific protections — see our guide on domestic violence and visas.

What is the difference between 999, 111, and 101?

999 is for life-threatening emergencies. 111 is the NHS non-emergency helpline for urgent medical advice when it is not life-threatening. 101 is for non-emergency police matters, such as reporting a non-urgent crime, getting crime prevention advice, or contacting your local police.

UK Emergency Services Guide for Immigrants

In a UK emergency, call 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services. For non-emergency medical advice, call 111. For non-emergency police, call 101. Emergency services are free for everyone regardless of visa status. This guide covers all emergency numbers, what to expect when you call, and your rights as an immigrant.

Emergency Numbers

999 (or 112): Life-threatening emergencies — police, ambulance, fire, coastguard
111: NHS non-emergency medical helpline (available 24/7)
101: Non-emergency police line
116 123: Samaritans (emotional support, 24/7, free to call)

When you call 999, the operator will ask which service you need. If you are not sure, tell them what has happened and they will direct you. If you do not speak English well, you can request an interpreter — the service has access to interpreters in many languages.

More information is available on GOV.UK.

When to Call 999

Call 999 when:

Someone's life is at risk
A crime is happening right now
Someone is seriously injured or ill
There is a fire
Someone is in immediate danger

Do not call 999 for situations that are not emergencies. Misuse of 999 can delay response to genuine emergencies.

NHS 111

Call 111 for urgent medical situations that are not life-threatening:

You need medical advice but it is not an emergency
You are unsure whether to go to A&E or see a GP
You need out-of-hours GP services
You need a prescription urgently

The 111 service is available 24/7 and is free from landlines and mobiles. They can direct you to the appropriate service, book you an appointment, or send an ambulance if needed.

For day-to-day healthcare, register with a GP first — see our GP registration guide.

Police: 101 and 999

Use 101 for non-emergency police matters:

Reporting a crime that has already happened and is not an emergency
Reporting anti-social behaviour
Getting crime prevention advice
Contacting local police

Your immigration status is not relevant when reporting a crime. The police are there to protect everyone. If you are a victim of domestic violence or any other crime, you should report it.

A&E (Accident and Emergency)

Go to your nearest A&E department for serious but non-life-threatening situations:

Broken bones
Deep cuts requiring stitches
Chest pain
Breathing difficulties
Severe allergic reactions

A&E treatment is free for everyone in the UK, including visitors and visa holders. However, follow-up treatment may be charged if you are not ordinarily resident. See our emergency care guide and NHS access guide for more on healthcare access.

Fire Safety

Call 999 if there is a fire. While waiting for help:

Get everyone out of the building
Do not go back inside for possessions
Close doors behind you to slow the fire
Wait outside for the fire service

Your home should have working smoke alarms. If you are renting, your landlord is legally required to provide them. Check the GOV.UK fire safety page for more.

Next Steps

Save the key emergency numbers in your phone: 999, 111, and 101. Register with a GP and a dentist. Familiarise yourself with the location of your nearest A&E department and fire escape routes from your home.

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