Heading to an overseas memorial service for Anzac Day 2024? If so, make sure you check out Smartraveller’s latest advice.

Each year, many Australians travel to various countries around the world to pay their respects at Anzac Day ceremonies.

Where are Anzac Day ceremonies being held overseas this year?

The Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs manages the Anzac Day dawn services held overseas. Memorial services will take place at:

If you are planning to attend an overseas service, make sure you visit the links above as most of the services require pre-registration to attend.

Is it safe to attend these services?

This year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has warned those visiting Türkiye and France to be vigilant for possible terrorist attacks.

Smartraveller says rates both countries as being at travel advice level 2 - “Exercise a high degree of caution”. Level 3 would imply travellers should reconsider their need to travel to the region. This compares to level 1 which suggests travellers exercise normal safety precautions.

While security personnel will be present at these services, you should still exercise a high degree of caution. This is especially important when travelling to and from the service, and while travelling around the country.

If you do plan on attending a dawn service, be sure to sign up for Smartraveller’s alerts for updates to travel advisories.

How can I get to these services?

Parking is available at these overseas services. You will likely need to catch a free shuttle bus from the carpark to the memorial locations.

If travelling to the service in Gallipoli, Türkiye you’ll need to drive or pre-arrange transport as no public transport is available. Tourism shuttles may be available if you’re heading to Villers-Bretonneux, France.

If you have mobility issues, be sure to research the service location prior to booking travel. Some locations such as the old railway cutting at Hellfire Pass are challenging to access for those with mobility needs.

What should we bring to the service?

The memorial services take place outdoors, so ensure you wear appropriate attire. Some, such as Hellfire Pass, in Thailand can be exceedingly hot but others may be cool, wet or windy. This is exacerbated by the fact that these services take place at dawn, as the sun is rising.

Importantly, here’s a list of items you shouldn’t bring to a service as they’ll be confiscated by security.