Egypt is lifting visa requirements for citizens of Morocco, Algeria, Libya and Tunisia who reside in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Security sources have said that individuals that fit this criteria will now be eligible for visas upon arrival when they come into Cairo international airport. But citizens of Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Syria and Sudan will still be required to apply for visas before traveling to Egypt.

Some media reports are saying that all citizens of Maghreb countries will now have visa-free access to Egypt, but that has not been officially confirmed.

Egypt wants to open its doors to more tourists

The move comes as Egypt looks to rebuild its struggling tourism sector. Ever since the 2011 revolution, the country has faced a major decrease in tourism, significantly impacting the country's economy. But since the end of last year, experts have expressed optimism that things are finally changing.

Still, with a series of attacks claimed by ISIS in recent months, Egypt is making moves to encourage people to come in any way it can.

In April, Tourism Minister Yehia Rashed announced that Egypt will begin implementing a new electronic visa system by June 1.

"Under this system, any tourist anywhere in the world will have the right to apply for an electronic visa," Rashed said, according to Egypt Independent.

Tourism could reach pre-2011 levels this year

In March, Rashed said that the number of tourists visiting the country may actually reach pre-2011 levels. 

"I think if we are fortunate enough, this year we will come very close. We are hoping to close the gap as we go on," Rashed told Reuters.

Tourism accounts for about 11 percent of Egypt's economy. According to Rashed, the number of tourists arriving in the country during the first two months of 2017 was "very, very good." He also said that on average, tourists were staying longer and spending more than in previous years.

High-profile visits by American actor Will Smith and Argentinian football star Lionel Messi have also shed spotlight on the country, as have a series of significant archaeological finds.