diff --git a/pkgs/development/python-modules/fb-re2/default.nix b/pkgs/development/python-modules/fb-re2/default.nix
index 0cdfd287647f..40a1d759c127 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/python-modules/fb-re2/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/python-modules/fb-re2/default.nix
@@ -16,10 +16,8 @@ buildPythonPackage rec {
 
   buildInputs = [ re2 ];
 
-  checkInputs = [ pytest ];
-  checkPhase = ''
-    py.test
-  '';
+  # no tests in PyPI tarball
+  doCheck = false;
 
   meta = {
     description = "Python wrapper for Google's RE2";