Magda Wierzycka questions new SARS travel rules
· The South African
Sygnia CEO Magda Wierzycka has criticised the South African Revenue Service’s (SARS) new online traveller declaration requirements, saying she is concerned about the level of personal information the tax authority now requires from South Africans travelling abroad.
In a post on social media, Wierzycka questioned why SARS needed travellers’ detailed itineraries before they leave the country.
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“I am deeply uncomfortable with SARS knowing my precise travel plans ahead of time. Why?” she wrote.
She also raised concerns about privacy and security.
“There are security issues involved for some people. I have visited 78 countries. None requires this.”
Also, I am deeply uncomfortable with SARS knowing my precise travel plans ahead of time. Why? There are security issues involved for some people. I have visited 78 countries. None require this. https://t.co/KgeVBSHmtQ
— Magda Wierzycka (@Magda_Wierzycka) July 10, 2026
Her comments come as SARS rolls out a new digital customs declaration system aimed at modernising border management and customs processing.
What has changed?
From 1 July 2026, travellers entering or leaving South Africa by air, land, sea or rail are required to complete an electronic traveller declaration before their journey if they are carrying goods, currency or other items that must be declared to customs.
The new requirement forms part of the South African Traveller Management System (SATMS), a digital platform introduced by SARS to improve customs compliance, strengthen risk management and streamline border processing.
Travellers can submit their declarations through the SARS Customs Online Traveller Declaration portal, the SATMS mobile app or other approved SARS channels.
The declaration must be completed within 24 hours before travel.
Will travellers be turned away?
Travellers who do not submit the declaration before arriving at a port of entry or departure will not automatically be denied entry or prevented from travelling.
However, SARS strongly encourages travellers to complete the process in advance to ensure a smoother experience and reduce delays at border posts and airports.
Privacy concerns emerge
While SARS says the system will eventually reduce queues and improve customs efficiency by moving declarations online, the rollout has sparked criticism from some travellers and tax professionals.
Wierzycka’s concerns reflect broader questions around privacy, data protection and whether collecting detailed travel information before departure is necessary.
SARS maintains that the SATMS forms part of its wider digital transformation strategy, allowing customs officials to better assess risks, integrate traveller data and improve compliance with customs regulations before passengers arrive at South Africa’s borders.
As more South Africans prepare to travel under the new system, the debate is likely to continue over whether the convenience promised by digital processing outweighs concerns about privacy and data collection.
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