North Charleston, September 22, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina residents can now enroll in the Global Entry program at a new center located at Charleston International Airport. This permanent facility simplifies the enrollment process, allowing locals to avoid traveling hours to other states for in-person interviews. Global Entry provides expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers re-entering the U.S., enabling them to bypass long customs lines. The center began accepting appointments, which quickly filled due to high demand. This initiative is expected to enhance convenience for travelers and boost tourism in the area.
North Charleston
South Carolina residents can now complete Global Entry enrollment at the newly opened permanent Global Entry Enrollment Center located at Charleston International Airport (CHS). The center held a soft opening this week and began accepting appointments, which quickly filled due to high demand. As of September 19, the earliest available appointment slots were scheduled for the week of October 14.
The Global Entry program, managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers re-entering the U.S. from abroad. Members can use dedicated kiosks and bypass long customs lines, significantly reducing wait times.
To enroll in Global Entry, applicants must pay a fee of $120 for a five-year membership, which requires a background check and an in-person interview. During the appointment, applicants need to present a valid passport, proof of residency, and their Trusted Traveler number. Minors under 18 can apply for Global Entry at no cost if they are applying with a parent or guardian.
Previously, South Carolinians had to travel out of state, often several hours away, to complete their mandatory in-person interviews, with the nearest centers located in cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, and various airports in Florida. The new enrollment center at 5551 Porsche Boulevard in North Charleston significantly simplifies this process for local applicants.
Charleston International Airport is experiencing record-breaking passenger numbers, having served 6.29 million passengers in 2024 and over 3.1 million by June 2025. The airport currently offers nonstop international flights to Toronto via Air Canada and Bermuda through BermudAir.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends Global Entry for travelers flying internationally four or more times a year, while TSA PreCheck is typically more suited for those who fly less frequently or primarily on domestic routes. At this time, CHS does not offer the CLEAR service, which is designed to expedite ID verification using biometric scans.
Global Entry is part of the Trusted Traveler Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which provides expedited processing benefits at land, air, and sea ports for over 10 million members worldwide. The establishment of this new center not only supports local residents and businesses but also enhances tourism by making international travel more accessible and convenient.
Charleston International Airport’s CEO noted that the opening of the Global Entry Enrollment Center marks an exciting milestone, further establishing the airport’s role as a gateway to global destinations. Appointments at the new center are expected to fill rapidly, but additional slots will be made available in the coming weeks. Interested individuals can find more information or schedule appointments through the Global Entry government website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Global Entry program?
The Global Entry program offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers re-entering the U.S. from abroad, allowing them to use dedicated kiosks and skip long customs lines.
How much does Global Entry membership cost?
Membership in Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year period and requires a background check and an in-person interview.
Where is the Global Entry Enrollment Center located?
The new enrollment center is located at 5551 Porsche Boulevard in North Charleston, South Carolina.
What documents are required for a Global Entry appointment?
Applicants need to present a valid passport, proof of residency, and their Trusted Traveler number during their appointment.
Can minors apply for Global Entry?
Minors under 18 can apply for Global Entry for free when applying with a parent or guardian.
Key Features of Global Entry
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Fee | $120 for a five-year membership |
| Application Process | Includes background check and in-person interview |
| Documents Required | Valid passport, proof of residency, and Trusted Traveler number |
| Minors | Can apply for free with a parent or guardian |
| Location | 5551 Porsche Boulevard, North Charleston, SC |
| Passenger Service | Expedited clearance at customs |
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Global Entry Appointment Opens
- Island Packet: Global Entry in South Carolina
- The Points Guy: Global Entry Airports
- Post and Courier: Global Entry Interview at Charleston Airport
- Upgraded Points: Getting a Global Entry Appointment
- Wikipedia: Global Entry
- Google Search: Global Entry Charleston
- Google Scholar: Global Entry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Global Entry
- Google News: Global Entry
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
