News Summary
Charleston International Airport has launched South Carolina’s first Global Entry Enrollment Center to streamline the membership process for residents. This facility, costing $724,300, allows locals to complete Global Entry interviews without needing to travel to other states. The 1,230 square-foot center features multiple interview rooms and is open Monday through Friday. The Global Entry program is designed for low-risk travelers and significantly reduces customs wait times, enhancing the travel experience for users. Local officials expect this center to boost Charleston’s status as a global travel hub.
Charleston, South Carolina – Charleston International Airport and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have opened South Carolina’s first Global Entry Enrollment Center, aimed at providing a more convenient process for residents looking to secure Global Entry membership. The announcement was made on September 25, 2025, with an investment of $724,300 into the new facility. This center allows South Carolina residents to complete their Global Entry interviews locally without the need to travel to Charlotte, NC, or Atlanta, GA, which were the nearest locations prior to this opening.
The new center covers 1,230 square feet and is equipped with a public waiting area, an office for administrators, three designated interview rooms, a break room, and an IT closet. Appointments for enrollment interviews are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and while scheduling is necessary, walk-ins are not accepted.
Benefits of the Global Entry Program
The Global Entry program, designed for pre-approved, low-risk travelers, significantly reduces customs wait times for individuals upon their return to the United States. Members also gain eligibility for TSA PreCheck, streamlining the domestic travel process. To join the program, applicants must undergo a thorough background check and participate in an in-person interview. Membership is valid for five years.
Enhancing Travel Experience
Local officials and business leaders anticipate that the new enrollment center will reinforce Charleston’s position as South Carolina’s global gateway, improving customer service and convenience for international travelers. The increasing demand for the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program has been noted among frequent flyers, indicating a growing interest in expedited travel experiences.
Gregory Alvarez, the CBP Atlanta director of field operations, highlighted the center’s significance in enhancing accessibility for travelers in the Southeastern region, as this facility is now the third Global Entry Enrollment Center in the Southeast, joining those in Charlotte and Atlanta. The establishment of the center aligns with CBP’s broader goal to expand Trusted Traveler Programs in response to a surge in international travel demand.
Location and Access
The Global Entry Enrollment Center is strategically located at 5551 Porsche Boulevard, Suite 102, North Charleston, making it easily accessible to local and regional travelers. With this new center, South Carolina residents can now access the necessary services for their Global Entry applications without needing to travel long distances, thereby saving time and resources.
As international travel continues to rise, the opening of the Charleston center is seen as a pivotal move that caters to the needs of modern travelers. The center is expected to not only provide more convenience for users but also enhance Charleston’s attractiveness to tourists and business visitors alike.
In summary, the establishment of South Carolina’s first Global Entry Enrollment Center at Charleston International Airport represents a critical initiative aimed at facilitating smoother travel experiences for residents, thereby enhancing the region’s appeal as a hub for international travel.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Live 5 News: Global Entry Becoming Easier
- Wikipedia: Global Entry
- Charleston Business: Global Entry Enrollment Center
- Google Search: Global Entry program
- WTOC: New Global Entry Enrollment Center
- Google Scholar: Global Entry program
- Travel and Tour World: Apply for Global Entry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Global Entry
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence 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 Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
