Opinion: Uzbekistan Shows the World How Distance Education Can Work in a Crisis

A new study from Uzbekistan offers a powerful counter-narrative to the global trend of learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many countries struggled to maintain academic progress amid widespread school closures, Uzbekistan managed to not only sustain but improve learning outcomes — a feat made possible through swift and innovative education responses. In our latest paper, we draw on unique longitudinal data to evaluate the impact of pandemic-induced school closures. The findings are striking. Key Findings • Grade 5 mathematics scores improved by 0.29 standard deviations during the pandemic. • Students tested in both 2019 and 2021 gained 0.72 standard deviations, indicating continued learning. • Uzbekistan maintained learning continuity despite massive disruptions to traditional schooling. It was with some trepidation that I looked towards distance education done right to alleviate the situation. I am glad I was proven right, but, of course, this is all due to the students, families, teachers, administrators, and the Ministry of Education of Uzbekistan. The Uzbekistan Model: Distance Learning via TV What made this success possible? We credit Uzbekistan’s rapid deployment of daily televised lessons, taught by the country's best teachers, ensuring nationwide coverage even where internet access was limited. Despite limited internet access in rural areas, 100% digital TV penetration made broadcasting the most viable mass learning platform. By April 2020, over 350 video lessons were airing nationally and uploaded online for supplementary access. Implications for Global Education Policy Uzbekistan’s experience illustrates that learning loss is not inevitable. With well-designed, inclusive, and adaptive policies, countries can maintain — and even accelerate — learning during crises. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence on educational resilience and can inform crisis responses worldwide.

Turkmenistan Still Requires COVID Tests and Visas for All Visitors

Turkmenistan continues to enforce some of the strictest entry requirements in the world, including COVID-19 testing and complex visa procedures. According to a recent report by The Telegraph, all international arrivals are still subject to a mandatory PCR test at Ashgabat International Airport, despite the global rollback of pandemic-era measures. The nasal swab test, which costs approximately US$31, remains a compulsory step for entry, even though proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required. All foreign nationals must also obtain a visa and an official invitation letter before travel. For tourists, this invitation must come from a licensed Turkmen travel agency. Business travelers need a letter from the host organization, whether a private company or a government ministry. Applicants must then submit their visa request, along with the invitation, to a Turkmen embassy. Processing can take up to a month unless expedited service is requested, available for approximately US$150 for a 24-hour turnaround. Travelers holding a certified invitation may be eligible for a visa on arrival at Ashgabat airport, but they must present the invitation letter upon entry. Without proper documentation, visitors risk being detained at the airport and denied entry. Even transit passengers are subject to the same strict requirements, including a visa and invitation letter. A special short-term transit visa, valid for stays under five days, is available in limited cases. In addition, anyone staying in Turkmenistan for more than three days must register with the State Migration Service within 72 hours of arrival. All foreign guests must also pay mandatory entry fees: a US$14 “migration fee” and a tourism tax of roughly US$2 per day. A potential shift is on the horizon. In April 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved legislation introducing an electronic visa system. Once implemented, travelers will be able to complete a simplified online application process without the need for the traditional invitation letter. Authorities say the e-visa initiative is designed to streamline travel and boost tourism. Until the new system is in place, however, Turkmenistan remains a tightly controlled destination with elaborate entry requirements and limited flexibility for international visitors.