Anzac travel alert for Gallipoli

The New Zealand and Australian governments are warning against travel to Turkey, even Gallipoli, for Anzac Day.

On its website, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is advising New Zealanders to defer tourist and non-essential travel to Turkey.

"There is a continued high risk of further terrorist activity in Istanbul, Ankara and other centres throughout Turkey," the advisory said.

"We reiterate our advice against tourist and non-essential travel to areas close to the Iraq border."

About 6000 New Zealanders, Australians and Turks were at last year's ceremony - fear of terror attacks having halved numbers from 2002.

The warning points to the November attacks against the British Consulate-General, HSBC Bank and synagogues in Istanbul.

"There is a high risk that further attacks could occur at any time.

"New Zealanders who choose to travel to Turkey should exercise a high level of caution, particularly in commercial and public areas, including places associated with Western interests, landmark places frequented by foreigners, public transport facilities, hotels, bars and shops.

"While we have no information about a specific terrorist threat to the Anzac Day services on the peninsula, we continue to receive information suggesting that further terrorist attacks in Istanbul, Ankara and other centres in Turkey are likely."

It said visitors to Gallipoli would need to behave and dress conservatively, comply with all Turkish security directives, allow themselves additional travel time and not carry large backpacks, weapons or alcohol.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also issued a warning against visiting Turkey for Anzac Day.

- NZPA