Which entity oversees the standardization and specifications for passports worldwide?

• A. World Health Organization (WHO)
• B. NATO
• C. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• D. United Nations

Answer: (C)

The main idea is international standardization of travel documents, so passport formats and data can be read and verified consistently worldwide. The International Civil Aviation Organization is the body that develops and maintains these standards, including machine-readable zones, data fields, and security features found in passports (Document 9303). This shared framework lets border-control systems from different countries interoperate smoothly, no matter who issued the passport. The other organizations listed don’t set passport specifications: the World Health Organization focuses on health, NATO on defense collaboration, and the United Nations is a broad international organization without a specific mandate to standardize travel documents.