Healthcare
South Africa — Healthcare: Emergency Services
Emergency service numbers for South Africa, as published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (travel advice last updated 2026-07-08): All emergencies from mobiles: 112; Ambulance and fire: 10177; Police: 10111; National Sea and Rescue Institute: 112 or +27 87 094 9774; Wilderness Search and Rescue: +27 21 937 0300.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceUK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — South Africa travel adviceLast reviewed: 2026-10-17
Key facts
- All emergencies from mobiles: 112
- Ambulance and fire: 10177
- Police: 10111
- National Sea and Rescue Institute: 112 or +27 87 094 9774
- Wilderness Search and Rescue: +27 21 937 0300
- Emergency medical number: Dial 112 (from a mobile) or 10177 and ask for an ambulance.
Steps
- Step 1: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers — Understand the primary emergency numbers in South Africa (10177 and 112) and any regional variations. Research the specific emergency numbers for the province or region you plan to move to.
- Step 2: Program emergency numbers in your phone — Program the primary and regional emergency numbers into your phone, making it easily accessible in case of an emergency.
Costs
- Calling emergency services: free
Timelines
- Processing emergency calls: varies by region
Common mistakes
- Relying solely on the 10177 or 112 emergency numbers without verifying regional variations.
- Not programming emergency numbers into your phone.