Watch our website and register if you’re going to Gallipoli, MFAT advises

People intending to travel to Gallipoli for this year’s ANZAC Day commemorations are encouraged to register their travel details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade before going and to keep an eye on the Ministry’s website travel information.

The Ministry now has Gallipoli-specific travel information and safety advice on its website in addition to its Turkey travel advisory.

The Gallipoli information covers the Turkish Government’s security arrangements for the commemoration ceremonies, as well as general information about ceremony timings, transport, road closures, toilet facilities, seating refreshments, and appropriate clothing.

It lists items that people won’t be permitted to bring to commemoration sites, such as large backpacks, tents, portable stoves, alcohol and weapons of any kind.

The security and travel safety information will continue to be updated in the lead-up to the 25 April commemorations. There is a direct link from the Gallipoli travel information to online registration for attendance at the event, and MFAT encourages people to register.

“There are expected to be bigger crowds this year because of the 90th commemorations. People going should be prepared for extra pressure on facilities, and they should expect delays in moving around the peninsula,” Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Consular Director Nigel Moore says.

“The Turkish Government is providing excellent support for the commemorations and is putting strong security arrangements in place. We urge New Zealanders to comply with all Turkish security procedures,” he says.

Accommodation in and around the area is already heavily booked. People will have to walk long distances between peninsula sites. Some sites will be difficult for the general public to get to because of this year’s special services.

The Ministry’s Travel Advice to New Zealanders notes that there is a strong risk of further terrorist activity in Istanbul, Ankara and other major centres in Turkey. This level of risk remains unchanged from that issued by MFAT in May 2004. Full details of the Ministry’s current Travel Advice, reissued today, can be found by visiting the Ministry’s website at: www.mfat.govt.nz/travel

New Zealanders travelling in Turkey should exercise a high level of personal security awareness. The Ministry also encourages people to ensure they have adequate travel insurance and reminds them to keep their travel documentation up to date and safe.

ENDS

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