International COVID-19 vaccine passports to be issued next month

The government will start issuing international coronavirus vaccine certificates next month in preparation for overseas travel to resume.

Vaccinated Australians heading overseas will get an internationally recognised app with a QR code that registers approved vaccines.

The information will also be embedded in physical passports to streamline re-entry into the country. International travel will resume once the country hits its 80 per cent vaccination rate.

It comes as the Sydney Morning Herald reports that the federal ban on Australians leaving the country will be dropped as soon as November, with a plan to open up international borders that could be announced within days.

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The vaccine passports will play a crucial role in reopening borders.

"Australians will be able to return home in greater numbers and we will also be able to start welcoming international students, those who want to come here to work and ultimately tourists again," Trade Minister Dan Tehan said.

The international standard would allow travel to places like Singapore, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The return of international travel will also signal an end to bussing travellers from airports to hotels for 14 days of quarantine.

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South Australia has been trialling home quarantine using an app with facial recognition and geolocation and both NSW and Victoria are keen to use it.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian today said Sydney Airport will reopen once the state reaches 80 per cent vaccination rate, while her Victorian counterpart said quarantine time could be slashed.

"Quarantine may not even be 14 days. Quarantine may be, if you're double dosed, it may be 2,3,4 negative tests and you're on your way," Dan Andrews said.