Charleston Airport Opens Global Entry Center for Faster Customs

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  Travel and Leisure on Sat, Mar 21st, 2026 by Post and Courier
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Charleston, SC - March 21, 2026 - Charleston International Airport (CHS) is further cementing its status as a gateway for international travelers with the official opening of a dedicated Global Entry enrollment center. Located within the airport's central terminal, the center promises to significantly streamline the application process for this highly sought-after customs pre-clearance program.

The launch of the center addresses growing demand from both residents and visitors for quicker, more efficient border crossings. For frequent international travelers, Global Entry is a game-changer, minimizing wait times and reducing the stress associated with returning to the United States. Airport President and CEO Andrew G. Dobrowolski highlighted the importance of this addition, stating, "This is a great addition to Charleston International Airport. Global Entry is an invaluable service for frequent international travelers, and having an enrollment center here makes the process much more accessible."

What is Global Entry and Why is it Important?

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program designed to expedite customs processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Members receive a physical Global Entry card and access to automated kiosks at participating U.S. airports. Instead of waiting in long lines for traditional customs inspection, Global Entry members simply present their card at a kiosk, confirm their information, and proceed. This significantly cuts down on processing times, often reducing wait times from upwards of an hour to just a few minutes.

Beyond convenience, Global Entry also includes the TSA PreCheck(TM) program as a benefit, allowing expedited security screening domestically. This dual benefit provides a seamless travel experience from international departure to domestic return.

Expanding Access: CBP's Nationwide Initiative

The Charleston center isn't an isolated incident. It's part of a broader CBP strategy to expand Global Entry availability nationwide and tackle persistent wait times for interviews. Historically, a significant bottleneck in the Global Entry application process has been the limited number of enrollment centers and the long wait times for interview appointments. CBP is actively working to address this by opening new centers at strategic airports and increasing staffing levels.

"We recognize the frustration travelers have experienced in the past with long waits for interviews," explained a CBP spokesperson in a recent press briefing. "The expansion of enrollment centers like the one in Charleston is a direct response to that feedback, and we're committed to making the application process as smooth as possible."

Who is Eligible for Global Entry?

The program is open to a wide range of individuals, including U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and eligible foreign nationals admitted under specific visa programs, such as those participating in the Global Entry partner programs of certain countries. Currently, partner countries include Canada, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, Panama, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and others. Applicants are subjected to a thorough background check, including criminal history checks, and are required to participate in a personal interview to verify their information and assess their admissibility.

Applying for Global Entry at Charleston International Airport

To apply for Global Entry, prospective members must first complete an online application through the CBP website (https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry). Once the online application is approved, applicants are notified and prompted to schedule an interview. The Charleston International Airport enrollment center is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and appointments are required. Walk-ins are not accepted. The current enrollment fee is $100, providing five years of membership benefits. Renewal fees are also $100 and can be processed online.

Looking Ahead: Charleston's Role in International Tourism

The addition of the Global Entry enrollment center is expected to boost Charleston's growing reputation as an international tourism destination. By facilitating smoother travel for international visitors, the airport hopes to attract more business and leisure travelers to the region, further stimulating the local economy. City officials predict a significant increase in direct international flights in the coming years, fueled in part by the convenience offered by the Global Entry program. The airport is also exploring options to expand its other trusted traveler programs, such as NEXUS and SENTRI, to cater to an even wider range of international travelers.