Justizvollzugsanstalt Köln:  English

Visits by appointment only!

Please book your visit by calling +49 (0)221 5973-246.

Visiting times

Every visitor requires a visitor permit, as well as valid federal ID, passport or equivalent document issued by another country.

It is imperative you arrive on time to ensure visits can proceed in a proper and timely manner. As such, please take a number in the waiting area outside the prison at least 30 minutes prior to your appointed visit time, and complete a process slip.

Please also remember that a number of visits take place at the prison, and there is only a limited availability of appointments.

If you cannot make an appointment, please advise us promptly.

Vistations may be cancelled if prisoners are being relocated. The visitations department has no control over this.

Anyone entering a prison must undergo identity checks. Please have your photo ID, visitor permit and process slip ready. You will be lead through a door frame similar to those used at airports. Please be sure to follow the attendant’s instructions.
If you have a pacemaker, please advise this before the check!

Any loose items on your person, e. g. keys, wallet, chewing gum, mobile telephone etc., and kind of watches, e. g. wristwatches or pocket watches, must be taken off. These will be stored in a locker.
A ‘detailed check’ will also be performed.

Latest COVID-19-related requirements

1. You must have been fully vaccinated for at least 14 days, and be able to prove this through a vaccination certificate or other proof of vaccination.
2. You have recovered from previous infection and can prove this through a PCR test taken between 28 days and six months prior.
3. You can provide proof, in writing or digital format, of a same-day negative test (rapid antigen test) taken at a testing site listed in COVID-19, testing or quarantine regulations, or a PCR test taken within the last 24 hours. This does not apply to persons fitting the criteria of point 1 or 2 above.

Further restrictions based on existing hygiene and distancing regulations

• One 45-minute visit per month per prisoner with two people; children of any age are counted as one person
• Visitors must wear their own face mask
• No physical contact between the visitor and inmate
• The general hygiene and distancing rules must be upheld

Please also note

• Toilets cannot be used within the facility; the last opportunity to use toilets is outside the facility (waiting area)
• No objects or food/drinks/tobacco can be handed over without prior consent
• No vending machines (tobacco, sweets, etc.) currently available for use
• For security reasons, veils must be removed on the facility premises, particularly during visitations
• German must generally be spoken during the visit. If this is not possible, enquire with the courts about a sworn interpreter

Visits by defence lawyers, government officials, court-appointed experts

By appointment only – Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 3:50 p.m.

Appointment requests must be sent by fax only to 0221 5973-427.

Your fax should contain the following information:

• Your name and job title
• Your telephone number and any queries
• The last name, first name and date of birth of the inmate
• The day and requested appointment time, stating max. visiting time

If you are unable to attend or are running late, please call 0221 5973-267.

Bank details

Real-time transfers will not be accepted by the respective correctional institutions while prison sentences are being executed.

Monies for prisoners can be transferred to the JVA Köln’s account. Remittance slips will also available on site during the visit.

Please enter the prisoner’s last name, first name and date of birth as the payment description. This is the only way to ensure the payment is recorded correctly.

The JVA Köln director