Travel advice for New Zealanders visiting Turkey for Anzac Day

Thousands of New Zealand and Australian tourists travel to Gallipoli for Anzac Day. Photo / Getty Images

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has caused controversy over comments invoking the Anzac's Gallipoli campaign, while responding to the mosque attacks in Christchurch.

The Hurriyet news site reported that Erdogan had referred to the failed invasion of the Gallipoli peninsula by allied forces, including the Australian and New Zealand troops, in World War I and said Turkey would "write history" again if anyone stood against Turks, Muslims and all the oppressed.

In a message apparently aimed at New Zealanders and Westerners, Erdogan said: "Your grandparents came, some of them returned in coffins. If you come as well like your grandfathers, be sure that you will be gone like your grandfathers," he said.

It is something of a pilgrimage for New Zealanders and Australians to visit Gallipoli on Anzac Day every year on April 25 - a date that is now just one month away. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued general advice to New Zealanders to be cautious about any adverse reaction overseas, it has not yet issued specific advice on travel to any one country.

We've put together some advice for Kiwi travellers planning to visit Turkey for Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli.

Dress appropriately

Overall, Turkey is quite conservative concerning dress, but what is acceptable depends on which part of the country you are in. While cities are more cosmopolitan, rural communities can be more traditional. It's best to dress modestly and follow local etiquette.

Chunuk Bair: The New Zealand memorial holds an annual Dawn Service. Photo / Getty Images

When visiting Gallipoli, proper footwear is advised - bring good walking shoes, as getting from the Dawn Service to Chunuk Bair for the New Zealand memorial service, travellers need to walk several kilometres often on uneven and dirt roads.

Remember Gallipoli is also important to Turkish people

The Turkish people also suffered great losses defending their homeland against invasion. It is an event that holds an equally important place in Turkish history. During the landings an estimated 40,000 Allied troops and 80,000 Turkish troops died.

Don't joke about Ataturk

Joking or insulting Mustafa Ataturk, the first president of Turkey, can land you in a lot of trouble. It's written in Turkey's penal code: It is "illegal to insult Turkey, the Turkish nation or Turkish government institutions."

Register with MFA and Safe Travel

Before travelling to Turkey, New Zealanders are strongly encouraged to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and check the Safe Travel site for information. Despite Erdogan's recent comments, MFAT said its advisory updated in November last year remains current. However, Australia is reviewing its travel advice for tourists planning to visit Gallipoli for Anzac Day.

Take comprehensive travel and medical insurance

MFAT advises tourists travelling to Turkey to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provisions for medical evacuation by air.

Don't do PDAs

Skip the public displays of affection - it's not considered appropriate in Turkey.

Don't take pictures of people without permission

Some Turkish people, particular the older generation, do not like to be the subject of photographs. Always respectfully ask permission, before taking pictures with people in.