High Commission cautions travellers to Gallipoli for Anzac Day

SONYA McLachlan, Consular Manager at the High Commission, has encouraged Australians to prepare for a trip to Turkey for Anzac Day in a number of ways.

Travellers should take out travel insurance and register their travel and contact details on-line on the High Commission smartraveller website at www.smartraveller.gov.au. Travellers can also register for travel bulletins and guides at www.smartraveller.gov.au.

Those with special needs are encouraged to register with the Department of Veterans Affairs website at www.dva.gov.au.

Upon arrival in Turkey, visitors must be aware that only very limited facilities are available. The Turkish Government strictly controls any development on the Peninsula in an attempt to preserve this important historical site. The organisation of the Anzac Day services has only been possible with the assistance of the Australian and New Zealand Embassies in Ankara and through the cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Turkey.

The Anzac Commemorative Site is also expected to be closed to visitor entry from approximately mid morning to early-mid afternoon on 24 April. The road leading to the Anzac Commemorative Site will be closed from 3am on 25 April until the start of the Dawn Service.

Australians who encounter problems in Turkey can contact the Australian Embassy at (90 312) 459 9500 or the Australian Consulate (90 286) 218 1721.

Further information on the Gallipoli campaign and planning a visit to Turkey are available on www.anzacsite.gov.au.