Belarusians went to Argentina to give birth so that their child wouldn't be left without a passport. And then decided to stay there.

After leaving Belarus, the couple settled in Poland, where they received international protection. The spouses wanted to stay there, but pregnancy forced them to think not only about childbirth but also about documents for their future child. For security reasons, they cannot go to Belarus or even contact the Belarusian embassy.

The family understood: if the child was born in Poland, the issue of their documents could remain difficult for years. The daughter would only be able to obtain a Polish travel document for foreigners.

"We only considered countries where a child obtains citizenship by right of soil, that is, by place of birth. There are not many such countries," says Hanna.

As a result, they decided to give birth in Argentina. They chose this country for several reasons. In addition to the main one — citizenship by right of birth — other factors in favor of Argentina were its warm climate, Spanish language, and the desire to live in a country where the spouses had not been before.

They looked for housing on the spot

Before the trip, the family searched for Belarusians and other foreigners who already had experience with childbirth in Argentina, reading Telegram channels about childbirth, flights, medicine, and documents in Argentina. Through acquaintances, they learned that there are both paid and free childbirth options in the country.

"We were advised several translators who accompany women during pregnancy and childbirth. Here it is considered normal to use the services of a translator. The cost is approximately 10-15 dollars per hour," says Hanna.

The translator explained that they could decide on the maternity hospital once they were there.

They initially booked accommodation daily, and after arrival, they began looking for an apartment for a longer term.

"Prices are quite high, and housing often doesn't match its cost. So we wanted to see the apartment on the spot," says Hanna.

The family arranged insurance for the first few months.

At the border, they asked about housing and return tickets

Hanna and Stsyapan flew to Argentina in their seventh month of pregnancy.

"At the border, they checked our housing reservation and return tickets. We bought them just in case, because we knew that sometimes they might ask for them. We bought the cheapest return ticket — to a neighboring country," Hanna recounts.

They weren't asked about insurance. According to Hanna, her pregnancy also didn't draw any attention.

"We didn't say directly that we flew to give birth. We entered as tourists. For Belarusians, Argentina is visa-free; you can stay for 90 days."

They chose a state clinic after arrival

The family did not choose a specific clinic in advance. They considered several state maternity hospitals, read reviews, and consulted with their translator.

"The reviews were more or less the same. In the end, the translator recommended a clinic where she visits more often and knows the medical staff better. We decided to settle on that one," Hanna recounts.

On the second day after arrival, they went to the clinic with the translator. There, Hanna's medical card was opened, and she was scheduled for an appointment with a gynecologist.

"Only a passport was needed for this," she says.

Childbirth — covered by insurance

According to Hanna, childbirth in the state clinic was free for her — within the purchased insurance. There was no need to pay extra for the three days in a two-person ward afterward either.

"All tests and visits were also free. The only things we paid for were printing documents and translating test results for the first visit to the gynecologist. And, of course, the services of the translator, who accompanied us to all appointments, test collections, and was present during childbirth," Hanna recounts.

Separately, the family paid for housing, transportation, and medications if prescribed by the doctor. Hanna says that some families additionally opt for paid ultrasounds on more modern equipment — for example, to get more photos of the child.

Husband can be present around the clock

Hanna says that the birth itself went well, although she had a C-section.

"Natural birth was planned, there were no prerequisites for a C-section. But I couldn't give birth naturally. The doctors did everything possible until the very end. The C-section went quickly and at a very high level," she recounts.

In the clinic, the woman felt safe. Almost all doctors spoke English, but the family still used the help of a Spanish translator.

"The delivery room and operating room were new, with modern equipment. The delivery room had a birthing ball and a shower. The post-delivery wards were older and required renovation, but they were designed for only two people," says Hanna.

One of the advantages, she says, is that the husband or another close person can stay with the woman around the clock. The baby is also immediately left with the mother after birth.

"After childbirth, doctors of various specialties visited us every day to check the mother and baby's condition. If the doctor didn't speak English, we used a translator on the phone. If there were questions about feeding, we called a specialist several times a day, and she showed us how to properly latch the baby to the breast."

Child's documents were processed at the maternity hospital

The child's documents also began to be processed at the maternity hospital. First – the birth certificate. This took several days. Certified copies of passports were required for this, and the Belarusians also hired a licensed translator at their own expense.

After receiving the birth certificate, the parents submitted documents for the child's Argentine document.

"Right there, at the maternity hospital, the child was photographed, fingerprints were taken, and after approximately 30 days, an Argentine identity document (DNI) in the form of a plastic card was issued. We paid nothing for this," Hanna recounts.

For international travel, the child needs an Argentine foreign passport. If it's needed, it can be obtained quickly at the airport or processed in advance.

"We will live in Buenos Aires, because we have no other choice"

Hanna admits: initially, Argentina was not so much a country for permanent living for them as it was a way to solve the issue of documents for their child. But now the family has decided to stay.

"We've put in the effort and will live in Buenos Aires, because we have no other choice. Our Belarusian passports expire in 2029, and what to do after that is unclear. So we decided to get documents for ourselves," she says.

Previously, it was easier and faster for parents to obtain citizenship in Argentina, but now the rules have changed: one must live in the country for at least two years before applying for citizenship.

"This is the most important moment for us. And only then — the fact that the Argentine passport is indeed strong. If our situation in Poland had been different, we probably wouldn't have moved anywhere. We liked it there, everything suited us," says Hanna.

The family is still adjusting to life in Argentina.

"Everything is different here: food, daily life, weather, seasons are opposite. But we are doing well. Days fly by at cosmic speed, we are constantly in processes, something new every day," says Hanna.

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