Foreign arrivals to South Africa reached 7.57 million from January through August 2026, registering an 11.5% increase compared to the same period last year. In August alone, 1.01 million foreign visitors were recorded, up 7.4% year-on-year.
The growth in August slowed from the 12.5% year-on-year increase recorded in July 2026. Statistics South Africa published these tourism arrivals data on September 30, 2026.
Record-Breaking Tourism Outlook for South Africa in 2026
According to Fitch Solutions, South Africa is projected to experience a record-breaking tourism year in 2026, driven by the rising number of international arrivals. The sustained growth in foreign visitor numbers through the first eight months supports this
positive outlook.
