Global Entry at CHS
Global Entry costs $120 for five years — and it includes TSA PreCheck. CHS has no Global Entry enrollment center — the nearest are at Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), and Orlando (MCO). So at Charleston (CHS) it covers faster U.S. security on the way out and faster customs when you fly home, for not much more than PreCheck on its own.
Where to do your Global Entry interview at CHS
CHS has no Global Entry enrollment center. The nearest are at Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), and Orlando (MCO), so plan your interview around one of those. Pick a center and a time at the Trusted Traveler scheduler.
The closest airports to Charleston with an on-site enrollment center:
| Enrollment center | From CHS |
|---|---|
| Global Entry at CLT — Charlotte, NC | 168 mi |
| Global Entry at ATL — Atlanta, GA | 259 mi |
| Global Entry at MCO — Orlando, FL | 318 mi |
Straight-line distances. Confirm appointment availability at the Trusted Traveler scheduler before you drive — slots at popular centers book out weeks ahead.
How much Global Entry costs at CHS
Global Entry is $120 for a five-year membership, and the fee already includes TSA PreCheck — you do not pay the $76.75–$85 PreCheck fee on top. Some travel credit cards reimburse the $120. A few things to know before you apply:
- Every traveler applies separately — there is no family rate, and children need their own membership and interview.
- You get a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to add to every booking, which switches on PreCheck at CHS and beyond.
- Renew early — you can renew online up to a year before your membership expires, and benefits continue while it processes.
Apply at ttp.dhs.gov — Trusted Traveler Programs, the official application.
Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck at CHS
At CHS, TSA PreCheck speeds your way out — the lighter screening lane where shoes, belt, and laptop stay packed. Global Entry adds the way back: skip the customs line when you land from abroad. Because Global Entry bundles PreCheck for only a little more than PreCheck at CHS costs on its own, it is the better buy for anyone who flies internationally. For the head-to-head, read Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck.
Using Global Entry when you land at CHS
Coming home through CHS from abroad, Global Entry members skip the regular passport line and use the Global Entry process at the kiosks or the CBP app instead. That is the arrival side of your trip — for the departure wait that sets when to leave home, watch the live CHS TSA wait times.
PreCheck, Global Entry, or CLEAR at CHS?
Three programs, three jobs — and they can stack. Here is the quick version:
| Program | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | $76.75–$855 years | Most U.S. domestic flyers |
| Global Entry | $1205 years | International travelers (best value — it includes PreCheck) |
| CLEAR Plus | $209per year | Frequent flyers at CLEAR airports |
Curious about the third option? See CLEAR at CHS for whether the face-scan lane is there and worth it.
How Global Entry changes your Leave-By Time
Because Global Entry includes PreCheck, it shrinks the security buffer in your plan — but only when the lane is actually short. Instead of guessing, set your Leave-By Time: it folds the live CHS PreCheck wait, your drive with traffic, and the walk to your gate into one exact time to leave home today.
Driving to CHS? Compare CHS airport parking and fold the lot and shuttle into the same Leave-By Time.
See also: Is TSA PreCheck open right now? and how early to arrive at the airport.
Common questions about Global Entry at CHS
Can you do your Global Entry interview at CHS?
No — CHS has no enrollment center; the nearest are at Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), and Orlando (MCO). Book your interview at another center, or complete it on arrival from an international trip.
How much is Global Entry in 2026?
Global Entry costs $120 for a five-year membership, and that fee includes TSA PreCheck. Every traveler needs their own application, including children.
Does Global Entry include TSA PreCheck?
Yes. A Global Entry membership comes with TSA PreCheck at no extra cost, so your $120 covers both faster U.S. security on the way out and faster customs on the way home.
Is Global Entry or PreCheck better for CHS flyers?
If you ever fly internationally through CHS, Global Entry is the better value — it is only a bit more than PreCheck ($76.75–$85) and includes it. If you only fly domestic, PreCheck alone is enough.
Do kids need their own Global Entry at CHS?
Yes. Unlike PreCheck, where children 12 and under use the lane free with an enrolled parent, every traveler needs their own Global Entry membership and interview — there is no family rate.