Egypt has enacted new rules requiring citizens aged 18-40 to apply for security clearance before traveling to Turkey.

Egypt Interior Ministry spokesman Hany Abdel-Latif said the new measure was an effort to prevent Egyptians from traveling through Turkey to join terrorist groups in Syria.

Security officials estimate that hundreds of Egyptians are fighting alongside terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Associated Press reported.

Over 200 Egyptian citizens have been barred from traveling to Turkey over the past 24 hours.

Egyptians already need prior permission to travel to Syria, Iraq and Jordan, reported RIA Novosti news agency of Russia.