Objective: Report a case of passive geographic tongue that became active due to the presence of severe stress associated to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Case details: In January 2019, a 42-years-old Caucasian female was included in a survey on geographic tongue (GT). At that time, although she reported having the condition, on intraoral examination, no atrophic areas or whitish margins were observed on her tongue (classic clinical signs of GT). In November 2020, she was contacted again and reported changes in her GT. At this time, the lateral borders of her tongue presented erythematous areas surrounded by whitish margins. The research participant also reported that she was under severe stress due to the pandemic. Final considerations: This case reported has demonstrated consistency with literature data regarding the onset, worsening of symptoms and changes in clinical aspects of geographic tongue associated with emotional and psychological factors. To ensure that changes in clinical aspects of GT may be related to pandemic stress, further research of oral manifestations of COVID-19 is needed.