Is Chernobyl really safe to visit? We get asked this question quite a lot, the short answer is yes Chernobyl is safe to visit, Both Chernobyl and Pripyat have been safe for visiting tourists since 2010. Safety within the zone is our absolute priority, the places you visit and the routes we take to get to them have all been deemed safe by the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone Administration (The official body created to manage the zone)
To give you an idea of how much radiation you will be exposed to on a two day trip around Chernobyl we have put together a little explanation below outlining the radiation levels you will be exposed to vs real world radiation.
So over the course of your two-day trip in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone you will be exposed to approximately 10μsv (microsieverts) which equates to 0.01mSv (millisieverts). To put that into context, your total exposure for the trip will be around what you would receive from a dental x-ray which is 10μsv (microsieverts) or 0.01mSv (millisieverts).
You will actually be exposed to much more radiation on the flight over, for example on a 3 hour 45 minute flight your radiation exposure would be approximately 10.35μsv (microsieverts) or 0.01035mSv (millisieverts). This information can be verified using a flight radiation calculator
Your safety is our number one priority, to ensure your safety we impose a few simple rules.
Age.
This trip is for those aged 18 and over. This is a rule set out by the Ukrainian government and is strictly enforced.
I.D.
Please make sure you have your passport to hand when visiting Chernobyl. It’s a requirement of entry to present your passport to the guard, failure to do so will result in you being denied entry into the exclusion zone. We will remind you to have your passport accessible on the morning we depart.
Dress Code.
Please wear clothes that fully cover your body, so no shorts, skirts or dresses, tshirts or short sleeved clothing. No sandals or flip-flops.
Alcohol.
No alcohol is to be consumed before or during our time out exploring Chernobyl. You are free to enjoy a drink once we get back to our hotel between the hours of 7pm and 9pm, it’s the law within the exclusion zone.
Smoking.
For those who smoke including the use of ecigs we will have designated smoking stops on the trip.
Food and Drink (outside).
No eating in the open air, we will have regular stops on the trip for food and refreshments. Drinking from bottles and cans is allowed. You must not drink from any water sources including lakes, wells and rivers. Water in the hotel is perfectly fine to wash and shower. While the water in the hotel is safe to drink we recommend bottled water to avoid any unwanted stomach bugs.
Do not touch anything.
Please don’t touch anything including buildings, belongings within the buildings, any vegetation including grass, flowers or trees. Please do not sit or kneel on the floor, be mindful where you are placing any bags or camera equipment. Above all never take anything out with you, not only because these are people’s belongings but it could be dangerous. When leaving the exclusion zone you will need to pass through a number of radiation detection machines.
Photos and Video.
You are free to take photos and video. However please never photograph or film any checkpoints, guards or government officials without the consent of your tour leader. More information will be supplied about what can and can’t be filmed. We ask all guests to be respectful and sympathetic to the area and subject matter when taking photos.
Above all.
Please listen to the instructions of your guides, they are there to help keep you safe as well as providing an unforgettable trip.
