In this section, we collected the questions that were most frequently asked by the visitors of the www.chernobyl.info Forum. In the course of time, the new ones will be added. If, in your opinion, any important question is missing, please inform the Editorial Team at www.webmaster@chernobyl.info and it will be added to the list.

How to visit the Chernobyl zone?

Staying on the territory of the exclusion zone and the zone of guaranteed (obligatory) resettlement is regulated by the Law of Ukraine "On the legal state of the territory that was contaminated as a result of Chernobyl disaster". The mentioned Law places limitations on visiting contaminated territories. The organization of the trips to the Chernobyl zone is accomplished by the State Enterprise “Chernobylinterinform Agency” upon authorization of the Zone Administration. To get permission to visit the zone, interested people or organizations send a request, addressed to the director of the Administration of the exclusion zone and the zone of guaranteed (obligatory) resettlement, indicating the objective and the desired date of the visit, citizenship, date of birth, and passport number of each applicant. This letter may be sent by fax + 380 4493 52205 to the department of foreign cooperation of the “Chernobylinterinform Agency”. After obtaining confirmation of the request’s registration, the details can be specified by phone (+ 380 4493 52449 and + 380 4423 55014). In case of problems, please, contact the Head of the International Department. The processing of the documents and drafting of the program usually takes up to 10 days. In urgent cases this term can be shortened. Since strangers are forbidden to move around the zone on their own, all the people can only move around the territory if accompanied by a guide, who may also function as an interpreter for foreigners. Since the number of the Agency workers is limited, applicants cannot all be accepted on the claimed days during the periods of maximum attendance (March-May). In such cases, the groups are formed according to the day of request. Usually the visitors cover the expenses for the preparation of the program, the services of the guide and transport (transportation from Kiev and around the territory of the zone) by themselves. Beside that, the visitors may order meals and a room in the hotel in case of a several-day stay. The total cost of such visit is calculated in each case separately, depending on the number of the participants and the services. The expenses, calculated for a group of 3 people, make up approximately $400 for a one-day visit with meals. Single visitors pay almost the same price. That is why in a group of 3-4 people the expenses for one person are lower than in case of an individual trip. For big groups (7 or more people) the expenses are even lower.

Are there any limitations for photo- and video-shooting in the exclusion zone?

Photo- and video-shooting is allowed all over the territory of the zone, except for safety objects. These limitations are regulated by the Law of Ukraine "On the legal state of the territory that was contaminated as a result of Chernobyl disaster".

Is it allowed to use personal measuring devices for radiation level control while visiting the Chernobyl zone?

The visitors may freely use their own measuring devices or may receive radiation control sensors from the organizers of the visit.

Is there a need for special clothing or footwear while visiting the Chernobyl zone?

There is no need for special clothing, shoes, or protection means while visiting the exclusion zone. The program of the visit and the route are planned so that the visitors do not get exposed to radiation.