Reconsider Istanbul, Ankara travel: DFAT

Reconsider Istanbul, Ankara travel: DFAT

Australians are being urged to reconsider their need to travel to Istanbul and Ankara in Turkey because of the increasing threats of terrorism.

Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop announced upgraded travel advice for the two cities on Thursday, following the deaths of more than 80 people in four separate suicide bombings in 2016.

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

Ms Bishop said the decision was not taken lightly.

She acknowledged that many Australians were planning to travel to Gallipoli for Anzac Day commemorations.

There was no specific threat to Anzac Day services, she said.

She urged Australians travelling to Gallipoli to minimise transit time in Istanbul and Ankara.

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

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