YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK, July 24. /TASS/. Russia and the United State have introduced a visa-free regime for native residents of Chukotka and Alaska, a spokesman for the Russian most northeastern region’s governor told TASS on Friday.

He said the visa-free regime had been introduced on July 17 but no one had used the new scheme so far.

"The information on the start of visa-free travels was forwarded to the media on July 23. People were unaware of this opportunity," the spokesman said.

The new regime applies only to the indigenous population of Alaska and Chukotka with relatives (blood relatives, members of the same tribe, native people who share language and cultural heritage) in the designated area of travel, he added.

The visa-free entry is granted for a stay of no more than 90 days only upon invitation. Local authorities should also be provided with a written notification at least 10 days before the trip.