News Summary South Carolina has opened its first permanent Global Entry enrollment center at Charleston International Airport, simplifying the process for residents to expedite international travel. Previously, locals had to travel hundreds of miles for appointments, but now they can access services closer to home. The center aims to alleviate the backlog of appointments and enhance the airport’s role in facilitating international travel, benefiting both travelers and the local economy. South Carolina is now home to the state’s first permanent Global Entry enrollment center, which has officially opened at Charleston International Airport (CHS) in North Charleston. This new facility is set to ease the process for residents aiming to expedite their international travel experiences by allowing them to complete the necessary application interviews closer to home. The Global Entry Office at CHS is currently accepting appointments for travelers preparing for international trips. Previously, South Carolina residents faced significant travel burdens, often having to journey several hundred miles to other cities such as Charlotte, Atlanta, or Miami for Global Entry services. This new center aims to relieve that inconvenience, particularly as over 14,000 state residents were reported to be on waiting lists for in-person interview appointments last year. Charleston International Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, Elliott Summey, noted that CHS is among the few medium-sized airports in the United States to house its own Global Entry office. He emphasized the center’s importance in enhancing the airport’s role as a gateway for international travel, which not only benefits local residents but also positively influences the local economy. The Global Entry office is located at 5551 Porsche Blvd, within the same building as the South Carolina Transportation Security Administration and the airport police department. The center officially opened with appointments available starting from September 22, 2025. However, it is important to note that appointment slots have already filled up quickly, reaching capacity for the remainder of the month. Global Entry is a program managed under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Trusted Traveler initiative, aimed at pre-approved international travelers. With over 10 million individuals currently enrolled, this program allows members to enjoy expedited security screenings at various U.S. and international points of entry. Members can use automated kiosks located in major airports to bypass standard customs lines, thus significantly reducing wait times. To achieve membership, individuals must pay a fee of $120, which is valid for five years. Fees are waived for applicants under 18 if they are part of a family with an available parent or guardian membership. Those interested in Global Entry appointments must prepare a few required documents, including a valid passport, proof of residency, and a federal Trusted Traveler number. The establishment of the Global Entry center is expected to alleviate the scheduling backlog that had compelled many residents to travel out of state for interviews. Previous pop-up events organized by the Charleston International and Myrtle Beach International airports to tackle the demand had filled appointments rapidly, underscoring the significant interest in expedited international travel options across South Carolina. In conclusion, with the inception of the Global Entry enrollment center at Charleston International Airport, residents of South Carolina will experience more convenient access to this essential travel program. This development not only streamlines the application process but also highlights CHS’s commitment to enhancing the travel experience for its users, further establishing the airport as a pivotal location for international travel. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic Post and Courier: Global Entry Appointment Opens at Charleston International Airport Wikipedia: Global Entry Upgraded Points: How to Get Global Entry Interview Appointment Google Search: Global Entry The Points Guy: Global Entry Airports Google Scholar: Global Entry Post and Courier: Charleston International Airport Global Entry Interview Encyclopedia Britannica: Customs and Border Protection WV Metro News: Yeager Airport Summer Travel Reminders Google News: Charleston International Airport
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.
