Short answer
The Hajj itself is valid if its rites are done correctly, but going without a permit is wrong. It breaks a lawful rule made for pilgrims' safety, usually involves deception, and puts you and others at risk. If you cannot get a permit, Hajj is not yet fard on you.
Validity depends on the rites, so an unregistered Hajj discharges the obligation. But obeying a ruler's lawful regulation that serves the public good is required, so going without a permit is sinful. Lack of a permit means lack of a safe, lawful way, so the duty is postponed until it is possible.
The four schools agree on this.
Explanation
The Quran commands obedience to those in authority and forbids throwing yourself into destruction. The Prophet ﷺ said a Muslim must listen and obey in what he likes and dislikes, unless ordered to sin. A permit system that limits numbers to keep millions safe is not an order to sin, so scholars of different schools say it should be followed.
- Validity: Hajj is about ihram, Arafah, tawaf and the other rites. If these are done, the Hajj counts, as the Hanafi and other schools judge acts by their pillars and conditions.
- The sin: lying at checkpoints, hiding, and sleeping in the streets break laws and endanger lives in heat and crowds. Many unregistered pilgrims have suffered in recent years.
- Not fard yet: the Quran makes Hajj a duty on "whoever is able to find a way". A safe, lawful route is part of that ability. Waiting for a permit is not delaying a fard.
- Umrah or tourist visas: using them to stay for Hajj without a permit has the same problem.
Keep applying through your country's official route, make dua, and if you die before you could go, you are not blamed. Allah rewards the sincere intention. See who must perform Hajj.
The evidence
Quran, Surah An-Nisaa 4:59
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَنَٰزَعْتُمْ فِى شَىْءٍۢ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌۭ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا ﴿٥٩﴾
O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.
Obeying lawful authority.
Quran, Surah Al-Baqara 2:195
وَأَنفِقُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا۟ بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى ٱلتَّهْلُكَةِ ۛ وَأَحْسِنُوٓا۟ ۛ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ﴿١٩٥﴾
And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.
Avoiding needless danger.
Sahih al-Bukhari 7144
Sahih... السمع والطاعة على المرء المسلم فيما أحب وكره ما لم يؤمر بمعصية ...
"Listening and obeying is due on the Muslim in what he likes and dislikes, as long as he is not ordered to sin."
Lawful regulations should be obeyed.
Where the ruling is recorded
- Radd al-Muhtar (Ibn Abidin), Kitab al-Hajj, on the safety of the road. A safe route is a condition for Hajj to be binding.
- al-Hidaya, Kitab al-Hajj, opening section. Ability includes provisions, means of travel and a safe road.
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar. Quran translation by Sahih International. Hadith Arabic from the standard editions of the six books and the Muwatta, with gradings as recorded there; the English is our own rendering. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.