Travel warning issued for Aussies in Turkey ahead of Anzac Day Gallipoli event

Australian travellers have been advised to reconsider their plans to travel into Istanbul and Ankara in Turkey due to increased terror threats.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade upgraded the travel advisory for the area yesterday, after more than 80 people were killed in the two cities in four separate suicide bombings this year.

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop announced the upgrade yesterday.

“Terrorist groups continue to threaten further attacks, including targeting tourists and westerners,” Ms Bishop said.

“The overall level of advice for Turkey, including Canakkale and the Gallipoli peninsula, remains at ‘exercise a high degree of caution’.”

The new advice could affect Australians heading to Turkey for Anzac Day on April 25 to honour Australian soldiers who fought at Gallipoli in World War I.

About 10,000 Australians are expected to travel to Gallipoli, which is four-and-a-half hours from Istanbul, for the event.

Ms Bishop has recommended they head straight for the destination and move swiftly through Istanbul and Ankara, the Daily Telegraph reported.

“The Australian Government does not take this decision lightly,” she said.

“I am conscious of the effect of this on the many Australians planning to attend this year’s Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli.”