AIM: This study aims to conduct a review of the existing literature about 
incubation period for COVID-19, which can provide insights to the transmission 
dynamics of the disease.
METHODS: A systematic review followed by meta-analysis was performed for the 
studies providing estimates for the incubation period of COVID-19. The 
heterogeneity and bias in the included studies were tested by various 
statistical measures, including I2 statistic, Cochran's Q test, Begg's test and 
Egger's test.
RESULTS: Fifteen studies with 16 estimates of the incubation period were 
selected after implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pooled 
estimate of the incubation period is 5.74 (5.18, 6.30) from the random effects 
model. The heterogeneity in the selected studies was found to be 95.2% from the 
I2 statistic. There is no potential bias in the included studies for 
meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION: This review provides sufficient evidence for the incubation period 
of COVID-19 through various studies, which can be helpful in planning preventive 
and control measures for the disease. The pooled estimate from the meta-analysis 
is a valid and reliable estimate of the incubation period for COVID-19.