Marianne Holmen I'm clear on validity period and thank you for disqualifying 'activation'. I also now understand what you mean by where the 90 day misconception derives from. I certainly will not wait 5 years to enter on the dtv, but i still have not come across definitive info on the period to enter of 5 years. I apologize for splitting hairs on this. I will ask this of the embassy prior to application. Thank you very much.

@Marianne *******

I understand that typically the duration of the visa is also the time alloted to enter before the visa is actually activated. Any source I've checked for this time to enter for dtv has been 'suggested' 90 days. Can you please provide the source that you feel is 100%?

@Marianne *******

pardon the ask...are you sure you have 5 years to enter? You may be surprised at the first entry if waiting more than 90 days after dtv is issued.

Daniel Klein I hear ya.

You could consider the Elite visa if youre willing to shell out the membership fee.

Robert Mohler Krungsri Bank is a better option.

The system can not be 'gamed' anymore. Especially in cases of multiple visa exempt entries. So many of these posts are just the surface info of a situation. I mean no offense, but it does seem as though some of them are just seeking support that suits their personal narrative, "I didn't know!", or "But Ive lived here for years!". I get it. I worked those loopholes for as long as I could too, but then got honest on work permit. The game is over people. Legitimate tourist? No worries. If youre not, get the proper visa. What's more is as foreigners we need to be more mindful of our travel attire, body language and vocal tones with officers at any checkpoint be land or airport, because even some valid visa holders are being denied entry based not only on passport stamps but also behavior.