If you’ve been watching HBO’s award-winning series Chernobyl, you might be tempted (or seriously put off… ) by the idea of visiting. Exploring the Zone is a unique and intense experience but there are some things you really need to know before you go. Here’s the rundown.
An Escort is Compulsory
Parts of Chernobyl are still exceptionally dangerous and require special equipment to tolerate the high levels of radiation. For safety reasons, an escort is therefore needed so that these zones are avoided.
Photos Are Forbidden
It is forbidden to take photos in the exclusion zone and you are prohibited from featuring officers or checkpoints in your pictures. If you want to use a drone, prior permission is needed.
We Owe Our Lives to 800,000 Men
If you have been watching the critically acclaimed TV series on the accident, you’ll know that thousands risked their lives to stabilize the situation. 800,000 put their lives in danger and more than 70,000 of these became disabled as a result, while 25,000 people died.
There Is One Hotel
If you want to stay in Chernobyl overnight, you can. The hotel is comfortable enough but it is not recommended for longer stays. Even the people that work in the Zone are allowed to stay there for a maximum of 15 days to minimize their exposure to radiation.
Respect Is Crucial
The accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant was one of the most shocking tragedies in human history. It is therefore crucial that visitors are respectful when visiting the area. Chernobyl is not a “cool” place to snap a selfie, it’s an educational experience and a chance to pay homage to the thousands that died to protect Europe from disaster.
