According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the country recorded 2,883,115 cross-border traveller movements in September. This number comprises 766,185 South African residents and 2,116,930 foreign travellers. The data indicates that 26.6% of the travellers were South African residents, while 73.4% were foreign travellers. This significant influx of foreign travellers contributes to the country's tourism industry.
The number of international tourist arrivals to South Africa increased by 10.3% from January to September 2026, compared to the same period in 2025. This growth is primarily driven by inbound tourists from Africa and Europe. The surge in tourist arrivals is a positive indicator for the country's tourism sector, which is a significant contributor to the economy.
A comparison of traveller movements between August and September reveals that the volumes of arrivals and transits decreased for both South African residents and foreign travellers. However, departures increased for South African residents and decreased for foreign travellers. For South African residents, arrivals decreased by 2.7%, from 373,843 in August to 363,887 in September.
The decrease in arrivals and transits for foreign travellers is more pronounced. Arrivals decreased by 16.3%, from 1,304,763 in August to 1,091,441 in September. Departures decreased by 10.8%, from 1,090,191 in August to 972,308 in September. Transits also decreased by 18.4%, from 65,205 in August to 53,181 in September.
Tourists from Southern African Development Community (Sadc) countries made up 79% of all tourists, with 659,613 visitors. Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho were the top contributors, accounting for 74.1% of Sadc tourists. The three countries had 182,751, 178,966, and 127,152 visitors, respectively.
Overseas tourists constituted 19.4% of all tourists, with 161,753 visitors. Europe was the largest contributor, with 87,865 tourists, followed by North America with 32,799 tourists. The US, UK, and Germany were among the top contributors to overseas tourists, with 27,825, 22,305, and 17,627 visitors, respectively.
The main purpose of visit for tourists in South Africa was holiday, with about 97.5% of all tourists visiting for this reason. Business, study, and medical reasons were also cited, although to a lesser extent. A breakdown of the purpose of visit by region reveals that Australasia had the highest proportion of tourists who came for holiday, at 99.5%.
Key points
- 2,883,115 cross-border traveller movements were recorded in South Africa in September.
- International tourist arrivals to South Africa increased by 10.3% from January to September 2026.
- 73.4% of travellers in September were foreign tourists.
