What to do and Who to call during an emergency in Montenegro

Emergency in Montenegro right now? Call 112. Montenegro’s free national emergency number coordinates Police, ambulance, firefighters, sea rescue and mountain search and rescue. The direct numbers are 122 for Police, 123 for fire and rescue, 124 for an ambulance and 129 for maritime distress. Give the exact municipality, road, town, beach or mountain location. If someone is critically injured, trapped or threatened, call immediately.

This guide covers Podgorica, Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Bar, Ulcinj, Herceg Novi, Nikšić, Cetinje, the Bay of Kotor, Durmitor and mountain communities. Its first section delivers emergency contacts and the first seven actions, followed by explanations of the official 112 MNE application, the integrated 112 centres, flood and wildfire response, mountain and coastal rescue and how to report locations across rugged terrain. Reviewed against Montenegro’s Ministry of the Interior, telecommunications regulator, civil protection services and government travel guidance on 6 November 2026.

Quick answer: who to call in Montenegro

112 — integrated emergency operations: available 24 hours a day, free, for Police, ambulance, Fire and Rescue, specialist search and rescue, maritime incidents and other urgent assistance.
122 — Police: an assault, crime in progress, serious threat or urgent public-security danger.
123 — Firefighters and protection/rescue: building fires, dangerous smoke, wildfire threats and fire-service rescue.
124 — emergency ambulance: collapse, severe injury, serious bleeding, chest pain, breathing difficulty and other life-threatening medical conditions.
129 — emergency assistance at sea: the Maritime Safety Department’s search-and-rescue contact for vessels and people in maritime distress.
19807 — motorist/roadside assistance and road conditions: relevant support from Montenegro’s Automobile and Motorcycle Association; not an ambulance or Police emergency dispatch line.
080 111 111 — domestic-violence hotline: toll-free support and reporting for family violence; an ongoing assault requiring immediate intervention still needs Police or 112.
112 MNE app: official Ministry of Interior app supporting access to 112, incident location and certain travel or hazard information. It does not replace ensuring that a working emergency call reaches an operator.

The national regulator EKIP’s Important Numbers lists 112, 122, 123, 124 and 129. The Ministry of Interior describes the 112 centres and foreign-language assistance at European 112 Day statement. The current Australian Government travel advice confirms all four core emergency contacts.

Seven things to do in the first minute

Get yourself away from immediate danger. Avoid smoke, flames, road traffic, moving water, dangerous surf, unstable rock, violent threats or fallen electrical cables.
Call 112. State if you need an ambulance, Police, firefighters or search and rescue. The specialist direct number may also be used if it is the most appropriate working contact.
Give a precise location. Name municipality (opština), town, street, building number, floor or nearby landmark. On a mountain or beach give a named route, coast, trailhead or verified coordinates.
Describe the incident simply. ‘A person collapsed’, ‘a house has caught fire’, ‘a hiker has fallen’, or ‘a person is being attacked’.
Count those affected. Tell the operator about injured, unconscious, trapped or missing people, and whether anyone cannot evacuate without help.
Answer questions and remain connected. Follow first-aid or safe evacuation guidance; do not invent details you do not know.
Make the approach clear. If safe, have somebody meet emergency workers at the correct gate, junction, harbour entrance, hotel lobby or marked trailhead.

A useful example: ‘Ambulance. One adult is unconscious at [street and number], [municipality], third floor, apartment 12. My telephone number is [number].’ If on a mountain: ‘Two hikers, one injured, near [trail or hut], GPS [accurate coordinates], nearest drivable access [road].’ Describe access restrictions such as a closed bridge or narrow track.

How Montenegro’s 112 system operates

Montenegro’s Operational Communication Centre 112 (OKC 112) coordinates emergency requests across Police, medical help, Fire and Rescue and specialist protection and search services. It operates every day around the clock. The European Union’s civil protection information identifies the centre as part of the Ministry of the Interior’s Rescue and Protection Directorate.

The government says three regional call centres operate in Bijelo Polje, Podgorica and Bar, covering northern, central and southern areas. This matters because the responder may be located a long distance from a mountain valley or island-facing coastal road. Provide accurate geography and whether access is blocked, rather than expecting the dispatcher to know which village path or apartment entrance is usable.

The government’s official 112 statement also says operators are trained to handle calls in English, Italian, French, Russian and Albanian in addition to local language. That may help travellers, although availability can depend on the service and circumstances. See Ministry of Interior 112 overview and European Commission — Montenegro national civil protection.

What happens when the 112 call is answered

The operator asks where you are, what happened, who is involved and whether there are injuries, danger or specialist rescue needs. For a road crash, the operator may ask about trapped people, vehicles, fire or highway obstruction. For a maritime incident, the vessel and last known position matter. For a mountain rescue, the trail, terrain, last known location and weather help responders assess appropriate resources.

Do not hang up while the dispatcher is gathering essential information. Emergency crews may already be being arranged. A second person can remain at a safe identifiable junction or parking area to guide the response. If the incident worsens or your location changes, update 112 as soon as communication is available.

The official 112 MNE app: what it can and cannot do

112 MNE is an official emergency and public-information application associated with Montenegro’s Ministry of the Interior. The government’s app information explains that it can provide or share device-generated GPS position and make it easier to contact 112. It can also display certain weather, road, electricity and earthquake information based on official data sources.

The Ministry’s description says the emergency SOS feature can prepare an SMS containing GPS coordinates and open a telephone call to 112, but the user may still need to confirm or place the voice call manually. Do not assume that simply opening the app, seeing a location or tapping an icon guarantees that a dispatcher has received a live report. Watch for a call connection and the operator’s response.

The app’s information may be delayed when underlying sources are slow, and internet coverage may be unavailable in a mountain valley. Its official terms explicitly say it does not replace a direct 112 call. Read Ministry of Interior app guidance and 112 MNE official service terms, August 2026.

Life-threatening medical emergencies: 124 or 112

Collapse, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms or serious breathing trouble

Call 124 or 112 if a person is unconscious, not breathing normally, has major bleeding, sudden severe chest pain, symptoms of stroke, serious head injury, major trauma or another immediately life-threatening condition. Describe what can be observed rather than diagnosing the disease. Tell the dispatcher the person’s age if known, when symptoms began and the exact location.

If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, follow the operator’s directions and appropriate first-aid training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or an automated external defibrillator (AED). Another safe helper can find the AED or guide ambulance staff. Do not give food, water or medicines to a person who cannot swallow safely.

A person after a major road collision or fall may need careful movement due to possible spinal or head injury. Avoid shifting them unnecessarily unless the scene is immediately dangerous from fire, traffic or falling debris. Responders should be told whether a road, stairwell or trail is inaccessible.

Medical access outside major towns

The availability of medical equipment, specialist care and ambulance response can vary between Podgorica, the coast and remote mountain areas. Current foreign travel guidance warns that emergency medical services may be limited and travel time long in some locations. It would be misleading to promise a particular response time or assume all ambulances carry identical equipment.

Request help through a working emergency route and describe the injury, road access, nearby clinic or village accurately. A dispatcher or qualified health professional can advise what is appropriate when ordinary ambulance access is difficult. Do not assume that a private vehicle is always better or always worse than ambulance transport in every situation.

Building fires, smoke and gas incidents: 123 or 112

Call 123 or 112 for fire or dangerous smoke, alert nearby people and evacuate by a safe exit. Avoid lifts during a building fire, close doors behind you where safe and do not return into smoke for valuables or documents. If you are trapped, describe your room, floor, staircase or nearby window to the dispatcher and follow firefighters’ instructions.

Old stone buildings, crowded waterfront areas, restaurants and narrow streets may limit emergency vehicle access. Tell responders which road, gate or entrance can be used, including any alley or courtyard. Report gas cylinders or other dangerous materials only when known without exposing yourself to smoke or fire.

For suspected gas leaks, move to safety, avoid open flames or electrical switches that could produce sparks near the hazard and request appropriate assistance. A dangerous chemical plume may require sheltering indoors and closing ventilation or leaving an area, depending on instructions. The incident-specific directions of Fire and Rescue take priority.

Police emergencies and personal safety: 122 or 112

Call 122 or 112 for violent assault, a serious threat, robbery in progress or another situation requiring urgent Police protection. Move to a safer place where possible. State the exact address and what you have seen, including injuries or weapons if relevant. Do not pursue a suspected offender to obtain photographs or vehicle details.

After an incident has ended without ongoing danger, an appropriate local police station or official reporting process can handle a non-emergency report. Police support and immediate medical treatment may both be required after serious violence; tell the dispatcher the person’s condition so the correct resources can be requested.

Domestic violence assistance: 080 111 111

Montenegro has a published free hotline 080 111 111 for reporting domestic violence or obtaining specialist support. Current US government travel guidance confirms that number. People experiencing abuse, and those concerned about someone else, may seek help with protection, reporting and relevant services.

An immediate attack, serious physical injury or dangerous threat requires emergency Police or medical response through 122, 124 or 112. A support hotline is important but is not a substitute for rescuers or Police during an incident happening now. Source: US Department of State — Montenegro domestic violence hotline and emergencies.

Maritime emergency: 129 at sea

The direct maritime emergency number in Montenegro is 129, for the Maritime Safety Department’s rescue services. This is relevant when a vessel has an accident, people are missing at sea, a boat is in serious distress or an incident near a port requires urgent maritime coordination. The UK government’s current travel advice confirms the number at Montenegro sea travel and emergencies.

Report the nearest harbour, coastline, island, beach or named bay, number of people, vessel description, time of last contact and reliable coordinates. If someone is injured and needs urgent medical treatment, tell the maritime operator and contact ambulance emergency assistance where appropriate. Do not attempt an untrained rescue in violent surf, rough sea or near boat propellers.

The Bay of Kotor, Budva coast and Bar region have busy beaches and maritime facilities, but not every cove has direct road access. A person at a safe pier or parking area can help guide rescuers if asked. When possible, provide the exact marina gate or beach path rather than a general town name.

Wildfires: an important seasonal Montenegrin hazard

The UK government’s travel advice identifies April to October as a period when Montenegro commonly experiences dangerous wildfires. Dry vegetation, steep hillsides and strong winds can make flames spread quickly, especially near rural roads, national parks and the coast. Avoid lighting fires outside authorised areas, dispose of cigarettes safely and respect local wildfire restrictions.

If a fire threatens a village, house, campsite or forest, call 123 or 112 and provide the municipality, nearby road, hillside, village and direction of the flames. Do not drive toward smoke for photographs or use a closed forest road to reach a holiday property. Firefighters and local authorities may direct immediate evacuation.

When evacuation is ordered, leave early via the designated road and avoid retrieving property at the expense of safety. Take essential medicines, identification, a charged phone and aids for people with limited mobility when time permits. Do not assume a fire has become safe merely because the smoke appears less visible.

Flooding, swollen rivers and mountain valleys

Heavy rainfall and snowmelt can create flooding along rivers, low roads, valleys and underpasses, particularly in winter and spring. Never cross moving floodwater by car or on foot if you cannot assess depth, current and road integrity. Debris, open drainage channels and live electricity may be hidden beneath water.

Follow official evacuation and road closure instructions. Do not enter a flooded basement to retrieve a vehicle or touch electrical switches while standing in water. A trapped person should report their exact location, building or bridge, number of people and safest remaining access through 112.

Floods can interrupt mountain roads and create dangerous detours. A navigation application’s proposed shortcut may be unsafe when a bridge or road has been damaged. For current flood and road information, check the Ministry, local emergency authorities and Hydrometeorological and Seismological Institute of Montenegro and Montenegro Automobile and Motorcycle Association.

Earthquakes: what to do during shaking

Montenegro lies in a seismically active region. Serious earthquakes are uncommon compared with ordinary small tremors, but major earthquakes have occurred historically and can damage older buildings, bridges, roads and utilities. During strong shaking, get low, protect the head and neck, seek suitable cover and remain away from falling glass or unsecured objects. Do not rush down stairs while things are moving.

After shaking stops, check for injuries, damage to masonry, gas and electrical hazards and possible aftershocks. Avoid lifts in a damaged building and move to a safer area if the structure appears unsafe or authorities direct evacuation. Call 112 for people trapped or seriously injured and describe their last known location.

Along the coast, follow actual tsunami or sea-hazard warnings where relevant and do not approach the shoreline for photographs after a strong offshore quake. The UK government notes Montenegro’s seismic hazard and the significant historical 1979 earthquake: Montenegro natural disasters.

Mountain rescue: Durmitor, Prokletije and canyons

Montenegro has rugged mountain and canyon terrain, including Durmitor, Prokletije and the Tara River canyon. Hiking, climbing, rafting and winter travel may involve steep slopes, unstable rock, rapid water, limited cellular coverage or fast changes in weather. If a person becomes trapped, seriously injured or missing, call 112 and request rescue assistance.

The Ministry of the Interior says the national 112 system can mobilise specialist teams including mountain rescuers, divers and other trained partners. Describe the park, trail, summit, mountain hut, canyon section, river access, number of people and last known coordinates if accurate. Avoid creating additional casualties by entering dangerous water or steep rock without training.

For a canyon rescue, the safest road access may be far from the person’s actual coordinates. Give the nearest bridge, rafting launch, road or clearly named trail. The emergency centre can coordinate appropriate specialists, but it needs accurate location and condition information.

112 MNE public information: useful but not a live all-clear

The 112 MNE app offers some current weather, road, electricity and earthquake information from government and other public sources. Its official terms warn that these services depend on the underlying public data and network connection. A route shown as clear may be blocked by a new landslide or accident not yet reflected in the app.

For a critical road or flood decision, prioritise live traffic closures, Police instructions and official warnings. Do not use the app as proof a bridge is safe or a forest fire has ended. For a life-threatening emergency, ensure an actual 112 call is connected. Source: Montenegro 112 MNE application terms.

Montenegro public warnings: what not to assume

The Ministry has described plans to expand public warning capability using advanced technologies including Cell Broadcast and location-based SMS. Do not assume that because these technologies have been announced they are already operating in every area or reaching every handset. Public messaging and local Civil Protection instructions may also come via established news, municipal channels and authorities.

If you receive an official hazard warning, read its affected location and actions. A chemical release may require staying indoors and closing ventilation; a wildfire or flood evacuation may require leaving. A public warning is not itself an emergency request for a specific injured person. Call 112 when people need immediate rescue.

Road crashes and highway assistance: 19807

A serious road accident involving injury, fire, trapped occupants or dangerous traffic should be reported to an emergency service on 112, or to the relevant direct Police, ambulance or fire number. Give the route, direction, closest junction, kilometre marker or town. Stay away from live traffic and leaking fuel, and do not move a seriously injured person unnecessarily.

For a vehicle breakdown or route-closure information without immediate danger, the Automobile and Motorcycle Association contact 19807 is useful. Canada also publishes this short number in its current Montenegro travel advice. Roadside assistance is not a substitute for emergency medical dispatch: a collision with an unconscious person is different from a car that will not start.

Official contact: Canada travel advice — 112, 122, 123, 124 and roadside assistance and AMSCG road conditions.

Useful Montenegrin words and phrases

‘Upomoć!’ — Help!
‘Treba mi hitna pomoć.’ — I need an ambulance.
‘Požar!’ — Fire!
‘Pozovite policiju.’ — Call the Police.
‘Osoba je bez svijesti.’ — The person is unconscious.
‘Ne diše normalno.’ — They are not breathing normally.
‘Adresa je…’ — The address is…
‘Govorite li engleski?’ — Do you speak English?
‘Nalazimo se kod…’ — We are near…

Montenegro’s Ministry of Interior says 112 operators can handle several foreign languages, including English. A visitor should still save their accommodation address and the local municipality in correct spelling. A safe hotel employee or bystander may help pronounce a village or road name, but do not delay an emergency call to locate a translator.

How to give your location in Montenegro

Municipality and settlement: opština, grad or village, including Podgorica, Budva, Kotor, Bar or a relevant rural area.
Street and entrance: ulica, building or house number, floor (sprat), apartment and gate.
Mountain: national park, summit, trail, hut, valley or accurate GPS coordinates.
Road: named route, direction, closest exit, tunnel, bridge or road marker.
Coast: bay, beach, marina, harbour, vessel, quay or safe road approach.
River/canyon: named watercourse, rafting launch, bridge, nearest drivable trailhead or reliable coordinates.
Callback: working number and any weak signal, dangerous weather or blocked road.

A practical household and travel checklist

Save 112 Integrated Emergency, 122 Police, 123 Fire, 124 Ambulance and 129 Maritime Rescue.
Add 19807 for relevant non-emergency roadside help, clearly labelled separately.
Keep a full address in local spelling and the correct entrance or rural road landmark.
Learn the building’s fire exit, outside meeting point and nearest AED if available.
Before a mountain trip, share the planned route and return time with somebody who is not travelling.
Review weather, wildfire, flood, avalanche and marine hazards before risky travel.
Keep essential medication, water, suitable clothing, torch, charged phone and a power bank accessible.
If using 112 MNE, prepare it before travel and understand that a call must actually reach an operator.
Discuss how to assist children, elderly relatives and anyone unable to evacuate independently.

Common mistakes

Using the maritime number 129 to report a routine inland road incident rather than an emergency at sea.
Calling roadside assistance 19807 before an ambulance after a collision with severe injuries.
Believing that opening the 112 MNE app automatically dispatches help without connecting a call.
Assuming advertised public-warning technology guarantees alerts on every phone.
Giving only ‘Kotor’, ‘Budva’ or ‘Durmitor’ instead of a specific address, trail or safe access.
Driving into flooded underpasses or following unsafe mountain detours after heavy rain.
Entering a dangerous canyon, unstable slope or rough surf for an untrained rescue.
Returning to a forest-fire area for valuables before the authorities have given an all-clear.

Frequently asked questions

What is Montenegro’s nationwide emergency number?

112, free and operating continuously through Montenegro’s Ministry of Interior emergency operations centres.

What are the ambulance, Police and fire numbers?

124 ambulance, 122 Police and 123 fire and rescue, confirmed by the Montenegrin telecommunications regulator.

What number should I call at sea?

129 reaches maritime rescue, and 112 can coordinate relevant emergency services.

Is the 112 MNE app a replacement for calling?

No. The government’s app explanation says its SOS functions help prepare an emergency request or location, but the user must ensure the 112 call or message is actually connected and received.

Can a tourist use English when calling 112?

The Ministry says operators are trained for English, Italian, French, Russian and Albanian. The location and details must still be given accurately.

Who do I call during a dangerous wildfire?

Call 123 or 112, give the location and follow Fire and Rescue and local authority evacuation instructions.

Official Montenegro sources and related guides

Editorial safety notice: This guide is general information, not emergency dispatch or a guarantee of response times. Roads, mountain access, wildfire and flood conditions change quickly. Emergency numbers and official guidance were checked on 6 November 2026. For immediate danger in Montenegro, call 112 now.