How can I visit Chernobyl?
I have heard that it's possible to visit Chernobyl as a tourist (and some questions here on Travel bear this out, asking if it's safe to do so.)
I'd like to visit it. What do I need to know to do so well, that is, to get there and to have a good trip? I'd like to avoid overly-touristy tours, if they exist. I also really enjoy urban exploration, and I'd love to be able to explore the city, although I think Chernobyl would be somewhere I would have to be careful! So:
- How can I visit it? How is best to get there from (say) Kiev?
- Are there tour companies or guides? Are these high-quality, interesting, at-your-own-pace or maybe even one-on-one tours, or 'touristy' tours?
- Can you stay nearby overnight, in order to not be hurried?
- (Related to the linked question) Are there maps of safe areas and irradiated areas? How do you know where to go and where not to go?
- What specific things should I keep an eye out for? For example, is it true you can see the nuclear plant glow at night?
Best Answer
There is a lot of questions so let's start in order:
- You can book a tour online from Tour Kiev for example. They will all originate from Kiev since it's the closest major city.
- Yes. One of them is listed above and you can find plenty online. One thing I would suggest is not doing it at your own pace unless you know exactly how to operate within a high radiation area.
- This site answers this question pretty well
- Have a guide with you since irradiated areas may not be the only concern.
- The term "glow" is somewhat misleading and refers to irradiated area still producing more alpha, beta, gamma radiation which don't produce luminous glow. What to keep an eye out for? I'd say your Dosimeter.
EDIT
Pictures about "How can I visit Chernobyl?"
Can you legally visit Chernobyl?
Is Chernobyl open to tourists? Yes. The site has been open to the public since 2011, when authorities deemed it safe to visit. While there are Covid-related restrictions in Ukraine, the Chernobyl site is open as a \u201ccultural venue\u201d, subject to extra safety measures.How much does visiting Chernobyl cost?
How much does a Chernobyl tour cost? Tours from Kiev cost between $100-$500 USD per person, depending on the type of tour that you choose. The day tour that I booked starts at $105 USD each, and it's worth every cent.Who is allowed to visit Chernobyl?
There are over 100 \u201cself settlers\u201d that reside within the 30km Chernobyl zone. The Ukrainian government allowed these people to return to their homes after the disaster. They are mostly elderly individuals aged 70 and above.How to Visit Chernobyl
More answers regarding how can I visit Chernobyl?
Answer 2
According to https://chernobyl-tour.com/faq_en.html:
staying on its territory for civilians without accompanying guide and itinerary is strictly forbidden
So you should buy a tour with a guide or try smuggling. There are several companies which provide such service - takes you from Kiev to Chernobyl/Pripyat and back, guides talk in English. I have booked on tourkiev.com - it was one day trip with lunch in Chernobyl. You may try 2 days trip if you stay overnight. Radiation shouldn't be a concern because guide will take through the safe path. There are few zombies but nothing to worry about. Tourists are checked for radiation limit before leaving Chernobyl zone - if they do not carry out too much radioactive particles on their clothes.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Erik Mclean, ANTONI SHKRABA, Towfiqu barbhuiya, Mateusz Sałaciak