Visa tips from the Filipino who visited 195 countries with a Philippine passport

Kach Umandap just made history as the first Filipino to visit all 195 countries with a Philippine passport.

But she’s not keeping all the travel magic to herself — spilling her best tips for fellow adventurers ready to take on the world.

They say true adventure lies in stepping off the beaten path, said Umandap, who started as an overseas Filipino worker (OFWs) in 2009.

Her unique 195-country journey took her 12 years to complete, and her claim to fame has been verified by Nomad Mania World.

So if you’re seeking unique destinations, she recommends considering these "underrated gems", and proves it with her videos.

"These least-visited countries are my favorite because it feels like being in another dimension, like living in a movie. You don’t realise such places exist because there's little information about them," she said.

Here's her expert advice for fellow travelers looking to explore the world.

"Start with Southeast Asia, then move on to visa-free countries in Central or South Asia. Once you've collected enough passport stamps, begin applying for visas to destinations like South Korea and Japan, then work your way up to Australia," she suggested.

To boost your chances of visa approval, she emphasised the importance of setting aside a separate travel fund specifically for "show money" in visa applications.

"To avoid difficulties, always set aside a budget for travel. Use your travel fund as a dedicated bank account for show money, so you won’t have to worry about it when applying for visas, which sometimes require financial proof for five to six months," she explained.

Her final piece of advice?

"Build your travel history and have 'show money' so authorities can see that you are financially capable of visiting those countries."

They say travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer—and for Kach Umandap, that couldn’t be more true.

Her passport isn’t just filled with stamps; it’s packed with incredible experiences from all 195 countries on the map.