Tension has been growing between the two countries after Sudan accused Egypt of supporting Darfur rebels. Cairo has dismissed the accusations.

The commissioner of El-Fasher in North Darfur, Tijani Abdallah Saleh, issued the directive banning the Egyptian street vendors, the private Sudan Tribune news site reported.A separate police statement said foreigners will be monitored as they could be rebel informants.

Mr Saleh also ordered owners of residential and business premises to get government authorization before leasing out their properties to foreigners.