Traveling internationally? This airport is the first in SC to open a Global Entry center
International travel just got more convenient for South Carolina residents.
For the first time, travelers in the Palmetto State can complete their Global Entry enrollment close to home, thanks to the opening of the state’s first permanent Global Entry Enrollment Center at the Charleston International Airport (CHS).
The new center held its soft-opening this week, and appointments are now available – though they’re filling up fast.
As of Friday, Sept. 19, the earliest available slots were open for the week of Oct. 14. Airport officials noted in their announcement on Facebook that more time slots will continue to open in the coming weeks.
What is Global Entry?
Global Entry is a Trusted Traveler Program operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon re-entering the United States from abroad. Members use dedicated kiosks at select airports, allowing them to skip long customs lines.
The program costs $120 for a five-year membership. It requires a background check and an in-person interview. Applicants need to bring documents such as a valid passport, proof of residency and their Trusted Traveler number to the appointment. Minors under 18 can also join for free when applying with a parent or guardian.
Until now, South Carolinians seeking Global Entry membership had to travel out of state – often several hours away – for their mandatory in-person interviews. The nearest enrollment centers were located in Charlotte, Atlanta, or airports in Florida such as Orlando, Tampa and Miami.
Now, with the permanent center housed at 5551 Porsche Boulevard in North Charleston, applicants can complete the process much closer to home.
Travel through the Charleston International Airport
Recently, CHS has seen record-breaking passenger numbers.
In 2024, CHS served 6.29 million passengers, and by June 2025, the airport had already hosted over 3.1 million travelers.
While international offerings are still growing, the airport currently offers nonstop international flights to Toronto from Air Canada and to Bermuda with BermudAir.
TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: What’s the difference?
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are both part of the Trusted Traveler Program and have similar benefits; the two programs serve different purposes:
- TSA PreCheck provides expedited security screening for flights departing from U.S. airports.
- Global Entry focuses on customs clearance when entering the U.S. from international destinations. It allows you to skip long lines by using automated kiosks at select airports.
TSA recommends Global Entry for those travelling internationally four or more times a year. For those flying less frequently or those taking domestic flights more often, TSA PreCheck is recommended.
While the addition of Global Entry is a notable one for South Carolina travelers, CHS does not currently offer CLEAR, another airport security service that allows travelers to skip ID verification lines using biometric scans.
To learn more, visit globalentry.gov or visit this link to schedule an appointment.
