What Happens If a Visa Runs Out the Day Before the Travel Home?
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If your visa runs out earlier than you are scheduled to leave the country, what happens will depend on what country you are visiting. In general, most countries are friendly to tourists and foreigners, so you don't need to be worried about anything seriously bad happening. Bear in mind, though, that every country has a list of other countries whose citizens are not as welcome as others--for example, the United States is suspicious of travelers from North Korea.
Fines
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Many countries just make you pay a fine if you stay after your visa has expired. Indonesia, for example, fines you $20 per day for every day you stay beyond your visa's expiration date. Indonesia also allows you to extend your tourist visa for $25. In Thailand, if you overstay by one day, there's no charge but only if you're already at the airport. If you're not at the airport, then surrender yourself to the police or immigration officials immediately. They will fine you a set amount in Thai Baht per day you have overstayed your visa and then let you go.
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More Extreme Measures (Rare)
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You only get a fine if you overstay your visa in Thailand and surrender yourself to the police. If you don't surrender yourself, and immigration officials check your papers and discover you've overstayed by even one day, you will be taken immediately to court and fined. If you don't have enough money for transportation to the airport from court and for a ticket out of Thailand, then officials will detain you in jail until you have the money. Thailand is exceptionally harsh, but it's important to be aware that all countries take these regulations very seriously.
Country Specific Information
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Since the consequences you face depend on where you are, get the best information you can for each specific country you visit. A great resource is the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet with Country Specific Information (see Resources section below). This sheet provides detailed information about each country, its visa regulations, fines and any peculiarities and dangers travelers might face there.
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