How long do you have to know a guy for a hug?

[rockingpianoman]

handshake is pretty distant here in the EU and can be given at all times , even to total strangers.

even kisses on the cheeck are considered normal.

for hugs I liek to know the person a little bit better , because it feels awkward when it's someone you are not comfortable with or unknown to .

you shouldn't ask for it , just do it , it's not illegal :D

[KERMlT]

Depends on who they are. I hugged my co-worker's sister after she was hugging others. Sometimes you can figure out how they feel about you by how the hug is.

[JonnyBG]

A handshake? Only a second.

As for a hug, I don't think it's a matter of "how long" but "how well". If your interactions with each other were very fun or bonding a hug wouldn't be misplaced.

[Ezmotts]

It's just a hug, it should be fine for you to hug him.

[Ugliness]

23 seconds.