Just imagine if we had to go through similar absurd CAAs and/or EASA hurdles when renting a car in a foreign country... Sit and pass local "road-law" and other written exams, local medical/eye exam, language proficiency (in order to read the local road signs), etc. Different car type-ratings for a VW Passat, Vauxhall Astra or Fiat Punto. Notwithstanding that in some countries they normally drive on the wrong side of the road.
How did we, the pilot community, allow these bureaucrats to restrict general aviation in such a way? Didn't these countries sign the ICAO Chicago convention?