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The Anzac dawn service on the Gallipoli peninsula in Turkey last year. Picture: Ella Pellegrini
ANZAC services at Gallipoli will be conducted under G20-type security next month, with attendees forced to hand over water bottles, backpacks, flags, folding chairs and cameras.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued stern advice for travellers heading to the commemorations, due to the “high threat of terrorism in Turkey”.
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Victims of the mass shooting at Reina nightclub in Istanbul are remembered. Picture: AFP/Ozan KoseSource:AFP
In the most recent attack on January 1, 39 people were killed and 69 injured in a mass shooting at an Istanbul nightclub, and Australian visitors are urged to “minimise their time” in the city — the main entry point to the country.
Those heading to Gallipoli are advised to ensure their passport and visa are up to date, and to take a warm blanket, food and snacks, torch and wet weather shoes.
“Please note that airport style screening of liquids will take place upon entry to the Anzac Commemorative Site,” said the Smart Traveller advisory.
“Aerosols, liquids and gels over 100 millilitres will not be permitted.”
Other prohibited items include large flags and large backpacks, folding chairs, metal cutlery, umbrellas, hiking poles, and large cameras or professional photographic equipment.
Large flags and professional photographic equipment will be among banned items at ANZAC DAY services in Gallipoli this year. Picture: Ella PellegriniSource:News Corp Australia
“All visitors to the commemorative services should expect to undergo airport-like screening on arrival at sites,” the advisory said.
“All bags are searched and prohibited items may be confiscated and not returned.”
The bans are not dissimilar to those enforced at the G20 Forum in Brisbane in 2014, during which members of the public faced confiscation of umbrellas, chairs and banners.
All seven memorial services held across April 24 and 25 will be subject to the strict security arrangements, including the Dawn Service at North Beach and the Lone Pine service.
Crowd numbers are expected to be well down on previous years this year, due to the terrorism attacks that have plagued Turkey.
Australian visitors to the country have more than halved in response to Federal Government warnings to “reconsider your need to travel”.
ANZAC Day crowds face extreme security this year in the face of Turkey’s high risk of terrorist attack. Picture: Ella PellegriniSource:News Corp Australia
Since last June, six major attacks have occurred including one at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport that killed 47 people.
“If you do travel, avoid large crowds and minimise time spent around potential targets for attack, including government and military interests, Western diplomatic missions and places commonly frequented by Westerners such as shopping malls, tourist sites and entertainment precincts,” said the advisory.