Rules
Stay limits and overstay risks
Know how days are counted so you never cross the line.
How stay limits are counted
Stay limits are usually counted in days. Some countries count the day of entry as day one, while others count full 24-hour periods. This is why two travelers can have different experiences with the same stated limit.
Short stays vs long stays
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival stays are often short-term. If you plan to stay longer, you may need an extension or a different visa category. Do not assume you can convert a short stay into a long stay without approval.
Why overstays create problems
Overstays can lead to fines, bans, and future visa difficulties. Even a small overstay can appear in immigration records and impact later applications.
Practical ways to stay compliant
- Keep a travel calendar with entry and exit dates.
- Schedule departure flights at least one day before your limit.
- Ask about extensions early if your plans change.