If you’re wondering if it is safe to visit Chernobyl, this post is for you. I will answer all of the burning questions everyone has about how to visit the site of this infamous catastrophe.
Chernobyl is considered the worst nuclear disaster in history. A reactor at a Soviet nuclear power plant in present-day Ukraine exploded in 1986, killing many and forever affecting the lives of millions. This was one of the biggest tragedies in the 20th century.
These days, Chernobyl is a ghost town and radiation hotspot. The 2019 HBO Miniseries sparked recent interest in the disaster, with a record number of over 120,000 visitors to Chernobyl in that year alone.
Chernobyl is safe to visit and is currently open to tourists through guided tours. I personally visited the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in 2021 and will be passing on all of my insider tips and tricks.
This post will answer the top 10 questions about visiting Chernobyl.
Chernobyl FAQ
1. Is Chernobyl safe?
Yes. After 30+ years of radiation clean-up, it is safe to visit Chernobyl via guided tour. You’ll end up with the same amount of radiation you would get on a long-haul flight. After the tour, you will exit through a radiation detector machine to make sure you are all good. Generally, everyone comes out totally clean if you listen to your guide and stay in recommended areas.
2. How do I visit Chernobyl?
Chernobyl can only be visited on a guided tour. Visiting the site without an official tour company is illegal and can get you into a lot of trouble. I recommend using Chernobyl Tour – they are the most highly-rated tour company and do an excellent job of explaining the history of the site. The tours leave out of Kyiv near the train station.
If you book with Chernobyl Tour, they will ask if you want to rent a Geiger counter. These devices are less about safety and more about the novelty of measuring radiation. You don’t need one, but it can be interesting to have!
For a full recap of this tour experience, check out this blog post on Chernobyl Tour being the Best Value Chernobyl Tour from Kyiv.
3. What will I see on a tour?
With Chernobyl Tour, you will visit the 30km Exclusion Zone. This is the area most affected by the nuclear explosion. Here, you will find homes, schools, and cities that were abandoned due to the high radiation levels. You will also get a chance to see the nuclear reactor that exploded, now covered by a protective shield. Stops include the village of Zalissa, Radar-Duga 1 at the secret city of Chernobyl 2, Kopachi Kindergarten, Pripyat city, Reactor 4, and Chernobyl Town.
5. How long does it take?
The tour takes about 12 hours from Kyiv and there are only two opportunities to purchase food and water once the tour commences. Pack breakfast, lunch, and snacks to eat on the bus. Souvenirs and snacks are exclusively available at the kiosks before and after you enter Chernobyl. The ride to the site is about 2 hours long.
Inside Chernobyl, bathrooms are scarce and often gross. Your best options are the white restrooms at the first checkpoint and the trailers right before Pripyat. Bring some tissues for toilet paper.
6. What should I wear?
Long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes are necessary. This is to protect you from radiation and local bugs. Once inside, you will not be able to set anything on the ground, including your bag or coat. Keep this in mind as you’re packing for the day.
7. Do I need to bring anything?
Yes! Most importantly, you need to bring food for the entire day and your passport.
Essential checklist for visiting:
- Passport (required)
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and plenty of water to eat/drink on the bus
- Outerwear for cold weather (if applicable)
- Napkins/Tissues for toilet paper
- Camera or cell phone for photos
- Headphones or a book for the long bus ride to and from Kyiv
8. Can I explore inside abandoned buildings?
Yes, but it is technically illegal. Visiting inside buildings is at your own risk. It is generally forbidden, but this rule is often broken, even by guides. Your guide will make the expectations clear and let you know which buildings are safe to explore if you choose to. Be careful – roofs are falling in and floors are unstable.
9. Can I walk around alone?
No! You have to stay with your guide at all times. Staying with your guide keeps you safe from radiation hotspots and makes sure you don’t get lost. Walking around without a guide is illegal.
10. How much time will I have in Chernobyl?
You will spend about 7 hours inside the 30km Exclusion Zone. However, each individual stop will be between 20 minutes to an hour. With the guided tour, you get minimal time at each destination. Use your time wisely and try to snap your photos quickly to allow time to fully experience each area.
Additional Questions
If you have any additional questions, feel free to message me on Instagram! Otherwise, I recommend contacting your tour provider.
Visiting Ukraine?
If you’re visiting Chernobyl in Ukraine, consider extending your trip and exploring more of Europe. You are only a short flight away from Greece. Read my blog post on How to Backpack Greece on a Budget.
