Visiting Cologne, Germany
A Rhine River city dominated by its Gothic cathedral, known for Kölsch beer and carnival celebrations.
Quick Facts
Cologne is located in Germany, a Schengen Area member. Visa-exempt travelers (US, UK, Canada, etc.) will need ETIAS authorization from Q4 2026. Maximum stay: 90 days per 180-day period.
👥
Population 1.1 million
🕐
Timezone CET (UTC+1)
☀️
Best Time April to October
🌡️
Summer Temp 24°C
Getting to Cologne
Cologne is served by 1 airport(s). It's a popular entry point for travelers visiting Germany.
Getting Around
U-Bahn (12 lines), S-Bahn (11 lines), Tram, Bus, KVB Rad bike-sharing
Highlights
Cologne Cathedral, Hohenzollern Bridge, Old Town (Altstadt), Ludwig Museum, Chocolate Museum, Rhine River promenade
Entry Requirements for Germany
- EU/EEA citizens Travel freely with passport or national ID. No visa or ETIAS needed.
- Visa-exempt nationals (US, UK, Canada, etc.) No visa needed for stays up to 90 days. ETIAS required from Q4 2026 (€20).
- Visa-required nationals Schengen Visa required (€80). Apply at embassy of your main destination.
Entry Requirements for Germany
Germany is part of the Schengen Area. Visa-exempt travelers (US, UK, Canada, etc.) will need ETIAS (€20) from Q4 2026. Visa-required nationals need a Schengen Visa (€80). EU citizens travel freely.
Visiting Cologne — FAQs
Do I need ETIAS to visit Cologne?
If you're from an ETIAS-eligible country (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.), you will need ETIAS (€20) from Q4 2026. EU citizens do not need ETIAS.
When is the best time to visit Cologne?
The best time to visit Cologne is April to October. Summer temperatures average around 24°C.
How do I get around Cologne?
U-Bahn (12 lines), S-Bahn (11 lines), Tram, Bus, KVB Rad bike-sharing
Explore More
Last updated: