Save These Before You Fly

Emergency Numbers in Egypt

Egypt has a unified emergency system and several specialized services. Save these before you travel — not after something goes wrong

Unified Emergency112

Tourist Police126

Ambulance123

Police122

Numbers verified for 2026 — save before you travel

Egypt has a unified emergency system and several specialized services that are straightforward to use once you know which number to call. Save these before you travel — not after something goes wrong.

112 Unified Emergency Any emergency — call this first if unsure

126 Tourist Police Scams, lost passport, disputes, English help

123 Ambulance Medical emergencies, accidents, urgent health

122 Police Crime, theft, assault, safety threats

All Emergency Numbers

Number	Service	When to Call
112	Unified Emergency Dispatch	Any emergency; multiple services needed — call this first if unsure
122	Police	Crime, theft, assault, immediate safety threats
123	Ambulance	Medical emergencies, accidents, urgent health situations
126	Tourist Police	Scams, harassment, lost or stolen passports, disputes with vendors or drivers
128	Traffic Police	Road accidents, vehicle breakdowns on major roads
180	Fire Department	Fires, smoke, building emergencies
121	Electricity Emergency	Power outages, electrical hazards
129	Natural Gas Emergency	Gas leaks, gas-related incidents

Foreign SIM cards: All numbers are dialable from any mobile phone in Egypt. If you’re using a foreign SIM with roaming, these numbers should still work — but verify with your carrier that emergency calls function on your roaming setup before you travel.

The Tourist Police (126)

For foreign visitors, the Tourist Police is an underused resource. They operate specifically to support travelers and are more likely to have English-speaking staff than general police services.

126

Reporting a scam or fraudIf you’ve been overcharged, deceived, or defrauded by a vendor, taxi driver, or tour operator.

126

Lost or stolen passportThe Tourist Police can assist with initial reporting and can direct you toward the next steps with your embassy.

126

Disputes with drivers or vendorsIf a negotiation or transaction has gone badly wrong and you need official involvement.

126

Guidance in EnglishStaff are more likely to speak English than general police. A good first call for any situation that’s not a life-threatening emergency.

Tourist Police vs. general police: If you experience something in Luxor that needs official involvement but isn’t life-threatening, 126 is generally the right call before 122.

Your Country’s Embassy or Consulate

For serious situations involving a foreign national — lost passport, arrest, medical emergency requiring evacuation, or death abroad — your own country’s embassy or consulate is the most important contact. They can issue emergency travel documents, provide lists of English-speaking doctors and lawyers, and contact family on your behalf.

Most embassies in Egypt are in Cairo. If you are in Luxor and need consular assistance, the Cairo embassy can advise on the nearest consular representative or arrange assistance remotely.

Before traveling to Egypt, locate and save:

The address and emergency phone number for your country’s embassy in Cairo

Whether your embassy has a duty officer or emergency line for after-hours situations

Where to find it: Your country’s foreign ministry or travel advisory website will have the current emergency contact for Egypt. Look this up before departure — it’s much harder to find under pressure.

Practical Tips for Using Emergency Numbers

Do This Now

Save them before you landAdd 112, 123, and 126 to your phone contacts before your flight. This sounds obvious, but most travelers don’t do it.

Key Tip

Describe your location using landmarksEgyptian street addresses can be difficult for dispatchers to locate quickly. “Near the entrance to Karnak Temple, on the main road” is more useful than a street address in many cases.

Recommended

Get a local SIM cardA local SIM ensures your calls connect cleanly without roaming complications. SIM cards are available at Luxor Airport and throughout the city for a modest cost.

Don’t Overlook

Hotels keep emergency numbers at receptionYour hotel’s front desk is the right first call for non-life-threatening situations — they deal with visitor emergencies regularly and can make calls on your behalf or contact the right service directly.

Medical

Medical care in LuxorFor medical emergencies, Luxor has several private hospitals that provide a higher standard of care than public facilities. Your hotel or travel insurance provider can advise on which facility is most appropriate for your situation.

More pre-trip essentials

Check your visa requirements

Passport validity, e-Visa options, and the common mistakes that catch travelers out before they even board the plane.

Visa Requirements → Getting to Luxor