Gemini API returns 403 Permission Denied on new Free Tier project

Gemini API
1

Hello,

I created a new Gemini API key for my project “My First Project”, but every Gemini API request returns HTTP 403 Permission Denied.

I have already:

  • Verified my phone number
  • Enabled 2-Step Verification
  • Created a new API key
  • Confirmed the project is on the Free Tier

The request reaches the Gemini API, but generateContent consistently returns 403 Permission Denied.

Could you please check whether my project/account has been denied access to the Gemini API and advise how I can get access restored?

Thank you.