We review of the state of the art in probabilistic modelling for fatigue reliability of civil engineering and offshore structures. The modelling of randomness and uncertainty in fatigue resistance and fatigue load variables are presented in some detail. This is followed by a review of the specifics of reliability analysis for fatigue limit states and a background on the semi-probabilistic treatment of fatigue safety. We discuss the different life-cycle reliability concepts and give an overview on probabilistic inspection planning. We describe the choices made in the Probabilistic Model Code of the Joint Committee of Structural Safety, present alternatives to these choices and suggest areas of future research. •The paper reviews fatigue reliability assessment for civil engineering steel structures.•The paper compares different approaches to modelling fatigue reliability, both deterministically and probabilistically.•The paper gives an overview of fatigue load modelling for civil engineering steel structures.•The paper discusses the connection between codified fatigue reliability and different safety philosophies.•The paper summarizes reliability- and risk-based life-cycle management strategies.