OPERATIONAL BRIEF: COLOGNE
Germany is a Schengen member. EU citizens need a valid ID/Passport. Non-EU visitors need a passport valid for 3 months. ETIAS required from late 2026.
LAST UPDATED: 13/03 12:03 AM
Stadium kiosks are CASHLESS (Card/Mobile Pay). Typical beer price is €5.00 + cup deposit. Bans on glass bottles apply in the stadium vicinity.
LAST UPDATED: 19/01 10:28 AM
4°C | SNOW, RAIN, OVERCAST
0.8°C - 7.3°C
LAST UPDATED: 16/02 8:44 AM
UPCOMING OPERATIONS IN COLOGNE
OPERATIONAL MAP
Stadium access – RheinEnergieStadion
GETTING TO THE GROUND
Take KVB Tram Line 1 towards Weiden directly to 'RheinEnergieStadion'. Match tickets usually include free VRS network travel.
Warning: Driving to the stadium is discouraged due to extreme traffic. Use the P4 parking area on Aachener Str if arrival by bus/car is necessary.
Away fans are located in the North-East corner (Blocks N6, N15, N16). Security checks at the entrance include alcohol breathalyzer tests.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Bags/Rucksacks
- Pyrotechnics
- Glass bottles/Cans
- Professional cameras
- Oversized banners
CRITICAL
CASHLESS kiosks only. 1.1 per mille alcohol limit for entry. Bags and rucksacks are strictly forbidden inside with no storage available.
Exit routes & evacuation
Follow clear signage for 'Zentrum' Tram 1 services for safe dispersal back to Neumarkt/Heumarkt.
Exit via the North-East tunnels directly to the P4 parking lot or the tram line 1 platform area.
MISSION LOGISTICS
Hub
Cologne/Bonn (CGN) / Düsseldorf (DUS)
Transfer
CGN to center is 15 mins by S-Bahn S13/S19 (€3.20). DUS is 45 mins by ICE/RE train.
Tip
CGN is extremely convenient with a rail station directly under the terminal linked to the Hauptbahnhof.
RECOMMENDED ZONE
The 'Belgisches Viertel' (Belgian Quarter) and 'Altstadt' offer a high density of traditional Brauhäuser (Brewhouses) serving the local Kölsch beer.
RECOMMENDED
Belgisches Viertel / Altstadt offers good transport links and is generally safe for away supporters.
TACTICAL INTEL
GATHERING POINT
CENTRAL MEETING POINT
Neumarkt / Roncalliplatz
Neumarkt is the primary hub for the Line 1 tram. Roncalliplatz, near the Cathedral, is the iconic assembly point for groups.
POLICE PROFILE
COORDINATED
Cologne police (Polizei NRW) are very experienced with major events. They enforce glass bottle bans strictly and manage fan flow via the tram lines.