Under a new law passed in May 2007, all non-EU foreign tourists in Italy are required to file what is called a 'dichiarazione di presenza' (statement  of presence). Tourists arriving from a non-Schengen country (e.g. U.S., Canada, etc.) should make sure that their passports are stamped by the Italian Police at the airport on arrival. This stamp is considered equivalent to the statement of presence. Tourists arriving from a Schengen-country (e.g. France, Spain, etc) must file a statement of presence form at any Italian State Police office (Questura or Commissariato), or through their place of stay (e.g hotel, hostel, campgrounds) within eight business days of arrival. Failure to complete a declaration of presence is punishable by expulsion from Italy.  For further info: www.portaleimmigrazione.it and http://www.poliziadistato.it/articolo....

The above procedure is all that needs to be done to stay in Italy up to 90 days. This 90-day period, however, CANNOT be extended, and it is illegal to stay for more than two non-consecutive 90-day periods in one year.

Most non-EU citizens (including Americans) who wish to stay in Italy longer than 90 days -- for ANY reason -- MUST apply for a  visa at an Italian consulate before coming to Italy.  It is just not possible to get a visa from Italy -- you MUST get it in your home country. Italian visa information -- in English -- is available on the Italian Foreign Affairs website at www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp