Charleston Opens South Carolina’s First Global Entry Enrollment Center

Charleston International Airport has officially launched the first Global Entry enrollment center in South Carolina. This new facility allows local travelers to complete the final interview step without traveling out of state — making the process more convenient and efficient for residents of Charleston and the surrounding region.

What this means for travelers

Global Entry is part of the Trusted Traveler Programs run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Approved members receive expedited reentry into the U.S. from international travel, and they also gain access to TSA PreCheck benefits for domestic airport security. Until now, people in South Carolina often had to travel to other states for their interview.

With this new center, conditionally approved applicants can schedule their interview closer to home. The facility shortens travel burden, reduces interview backlogs, and helps applicants activate their Global Entry memberships more quickly.

Facility location and hours

The enrollment center is located at Charleston International Airport in North Charleston. It operates during regular business days, typically Monday through Friday, during daytime hours. Applicants should check current hours before visiting.

During the appointment, travelers will present required documents, verify identity, and complete fingerprinting. Interviews are usually brief, lasting around 10 minutes.

What to bring to your interview

To complete a Global Entry interview, applicants should bring:

A valid passport

A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or state ID)

Proof of your current residence (a utility bill, lease, or other official mail)

These documents help verify identity, citizenship or residency, and address during the enrollment process.

Regional impact and benefits

Before this center opened, South Carolina applicants had to travel to cities like Charlotte, Atlanta, or other states for their in-person interviews. The new enrollment center brings the process closer to home, saving time and travel costs. It also further encourages more travelers to complete the final step of Global Entry, increasing participation in the program.

Local airport officials and community leaders hailed the opening as a positive development for residents and frequent international travelers alike. They view it as a practical, long-awaited improvement to regional travel services.

How to get Global Entry in 5 steps

Apply online through the Trusted Traveler Programs portal

Pay the nonrefundable application fee

Wait for conditional approval

Schedule and attend your interview (now possible in Charleston)

Complete the interview, have your fingerprints taken, and begin using Global Entry privileges

The opening of South Carolina’s first Global Entry enrollment center at Charleston International Airport is a welcome step for area travelers. By removing travel barriers and bringing the process closer to home, it helps streamline access to one of the most valuable trusted-traveler benefits offered today.