PRESIDENT Obama’s visit to the Australian War Memorial on Thursday will see heightened search and security measures at the memorial and surrounding area.

The ACT Government has made a declaration under the Major Events Security Act 2000 to assist ACT Policing to ensure the safety and security of the US President, the US delegation and members of the public.

The declaration means ACT Policing will restrict entry to the area surround the AWM and screen and search people if they require to enter the restricted area from 6am to 12pm.

President Obama will be in Canberra from November 16 to 17 as part of the 60th anniversary of the ANZUS alliance.

There will be sectioned areas in close proximity for the general public to view the US President during the visit on Thursday.

Items prohibited within the restricted area include:

• prohibited weapons and articles under the Prohibited Weapons Act 1996;
• knives, including knives under the Crimes Act 1900;
• firearms under the Firearms Act 1996, except those carried by police;
• fire extinguishers and any other material contained in a receptacle that is likely to be used; as a fire retardant except those lawfully in the possession of emergency services;
• paint stored in balloons, tins, aerosol cans or any other containers;
• flares, fireworks, explosives, smoke bombs, petrol and dangerous goods;
• loud hailers, megaphones or other items that amplify the voice;
• any material (including banners and signs) of a political, religious or racial nature that is likely to cause offence; and
• flags exceeding 900mm in width or height and flag poles exceeding one metre in length.