Emergency phone numbers and alerts for travellers and expats in Spain

Whether you're planning a trip to Spain or moving there as an expat, ensuring security in a variety of situations should remain paramount. Being prepared is not just about packing correctly or learning a few Spanish phrases, but it also entails having immediate access to vital contact numbers in cases of emergency or need. Having such a list on hand can help you swiftly address and manage unforeseen circumstances or access essential services when required.

This comprehensive guide details crucial contact numbers every traveller and expat should have to hand when visiting or moving to Spain. It lets you connect with several emergency services, police services, non-emergency services, and assistance and support services, making your stay in Spain safer and more comfortable.

Emergency Services

1. General Emergency - 112: This contact is the universal emergency number for police, ambulance, fire services, or coastguard services across Spain and all other European Union countries. The call to 112 is toll-free and available 24/7, even without a SIM card.
2. Medical Emergencies - 061: For medical assistance or ambulance services, dial 061. This number provides you with immediate and professional health support during emergencies. This number is toll-free.
3. Fire Brigade - 080 or 085: To report a fire, contact 080 or 085 (the number varies depending on the region). These numbers connect you directly to local fire departments.

Police Services

The National Police, Local Police, and Guardia Civil all serve different purposes in Spain. The National Police, or "Policia Nacional," primarily focuses on national security matters and major crimes. They are similar to other countries' specialized forces, such as the FBI in the United States. The Local Police, or "Policia Local," operates within specific city limits, overseeing issues like minor traffic accidents and noisy neighbours. They maintain order, prosecute minor crimes, and protect citizens at the local level. The Guardia Civil, on the other hand, is a military force responsible for maintaining order and fighting crime, mainly in rural areas, coasts, and highways. It falls under the authority of both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense.

1. National Police - 091: For criminal incidents, contact the national police.
2. Local Police - 092: Responsible for local order within their respective municipalities.
3. Guardia Civil - 062: They have competencies across the entire national territory.

Non-emergency Numbers

1. Tourist Helpline - +34 902 102 112: For general tourist information, including local events, cultural activities, and public transport schedules. This is not a toll-free number.
2. Road Traffic and Accidents - 011: For real-time traffic information on Spanish roads. This number is not toll-free.
3. Embassies and Consulates: Depending on your nationality, always have your country's embassy or consulate contact information. You can look up their contact information on the respective embassy website. Most embassies provide a 24/7 emergency contact line for their citizens, and keeping this number handy can be pivotal during an emergency situation.

Assistance and Support Services

1. Maritime Sea Rescue - +34 900 202 202 - If you find yourself in a life-threatening maritime situation or know of someone who is, this is the safety and rescue emergency number you can call for help. This number is toll-free.
2. Red Cross (Cruz Roja) - +34 900 100 333 - This number is toll-free
3. Anti-poison and Drugs Helpline - +34 915 620 420 - In case of poisoning or adverse reactions to drugs, medical help can be reached on this number.
4. Elderly Helpline - +34 900 222 223 - Information and emergency services tailored to the specific needs of the elderly people. This is a toll-free number
5. Health and Pharmacy Information - +34 900 161 161 - If you need to find a pharmacy or get information on specific health issues or medication you can call this toll-free number. You can also locate 24-hour pharmacies here online.
6. Crime Victim Support Service - +34 900 150 909 - serves as the helpline for crime victims, offering them immediate support and assistance in adverse situations. This is a toll-free number.
7. Phone Gender Violence - 016 / +34 900 116 016 - this number isdedicated to gender violence cases, connecting victims to immediate help and support. This is a toll-free number.

Civil Protection Alerts

Emergency alerts are vital for keeping the population informed during risk situations. In 2022, the European Union mandated all member countries to establish a mobile network-based alert system. Spain responded by launching ES-Alert in early 2023. This system sends notifications to all mobile devices within specific coverage areas to alert citizens during emergencies.

What is ES-Alert and how does it work?

ES-Alert leverages mobile networks to deliver emergency notifications to devices located in defined coverage zones. The alerts are transmitted via network antennas and appear as prominent notifications on the screen of the mobile device. Utilising 4G and 5G networks, ES-Alert covers over 90% of Spain’s population.

Levels of Civil Protection Alerts

There are three levels of Civil Protection Alerts:

• Level 1: These automatic alerts do not require user configuration and are issued only during immediate threats. They are activated by default on all compatible devices and cannot be disabled by users.
• Level 2: Users must manually activate these alerts in their phone settings. Although this level is currently not used in Spain at the moment, understanding how to configure it is important for future potential use.
• Level 3: These alerts are intended for situations like child abductions, public health alerts, or security incidents, but are not presently in use in Spain at the moment. They also require user configuration.

Level 1 alerts are enabled by default on devices running iOS 15.6 or later and Android 11 or later. Devices with Android 8 or earlier versions will not receive these alerts, while Android 10 will display the alert without the corresponding title.

Configuring your device for level 2 and level 3 alerts

Here are the steps to activate Level 2 and Level 3 alerts:

On an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down to Notifications.
3. Activate the option for Civil Protection Pre-Alerts at the bottom of the app list.

On an Android device:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Enter the Notifications section.
3. Tap on Wireless Emergency Alerts or find it under Advanced Settings.
4. Enable Allow Alerts.

In some models, the option might be located at: Settings > Security and Emergencies > Wireless Emergency Alerts.

Receiving alerts on your phone

Civil Protection Alerts appear as text messages on your phone’s screen, accompanied by a sound and vibration to grab your attention. These will activate even if your device is in “Do Not Disturb” mode or silenced, ensuring you receive crucial notifications. The alerts will provide details about the risk, potential consequences, and instructions on how to respond.

What to do if you receive an alert

Alerts are only issued during significant emergencies requiring immediate action to protect your safety or that of others. The Ministry of the Interior offers clear recommendations for those who receive a Civil Protection Alert:

• Verify the message: If it's a drill or test, the message will clarify this and advance notices will usually be communicated through media channels.
• Stay calm and read carefully: Understand the specific instructions provided.
• Inform others nearby: Notify those around you if they did not receive the alert on their phones to enhance collective safety.
• Stay informed through official channels: Check official sources like radio, television, or government and Civil Protection social media for updates.

If you need assistance or have questions about cybersecurity or alerts, contact the INCIBE Cybersecurity Helpline at 017. Free advice is available, and you can also reach out via WhatsApp at 900 116 117 or Telegram at @INCIBE017.

Ensure that you save all these essential phone numbers and prepare your phone for alerts before your trip to or relocation to Spain. Keep in mind that when dialling local Spanish numbers from abroad, you should add Spain’s country code, +34, before dialling the local number.

Stay safe and enjoy your time in Spain!