Gemini API returns 403 — project access denied after enabling API

Gemini API
1

Hello,

I am developing a Python application that captures a weather forecast webpage and sends the screenshot to the Gemini API for analysis.

Every API request fails with the following error:

403 PERMISSION_DENIED: Your project has been denied access. Please contact support.

Project details:

  • Project name: AgenteMeteoBluBot

  • Project ID: gen-lang-client-06956331..

  • Project number: 2091010187..

  • API: Gemini API

  • Models tested: gemini-3.5-flash and gemini-3.6-flash

I have verified that the Gemini API is enabled for the project. The visible quota dashboard does not show exhausted limits. However, the error persists with both models, including after multiple retries.

Could you please clarify why access to my project has been denied and advise me on how to request a review or restore API access?

Thank you for your help.

2

Hi @Ricardo_Allega,
Getting a 403 API error response and / or seeing “Unavailable” next to your project in AI audio indicates a flag has been placed on your account. To proceed:

  1. If you’re on the free tier with no billing attached, please try the below steps:

  2. Check Model Availability & Rate Limits:

    • Ensure that the model you are requesting is available on your current plan. For example, not all models are available on the free tier. You can verify model availability, quotas, and limits on the AI Studio Rate Limit dashboard.

  3. Ensure you have completed age verification by navigating to Google Account Age Verification and verifying date of birth in Google Account Personal Info.

  4. Once age verification is configured, retry your request or create a new API key in Google AI Studio.

  5. If completing these steps still does not restore access (or if using a model requiring a paid tier), you might want to consider adding prepayment credits directly in Google AI Studio and/ or attaching a Google Cloud Billing account in the Google Cloud Console. Please note this will mean you lose your free tier quota.

  6. If you are on a paid tier:

    1. Check for banners / error callouts in the AI Studio Projects page & the Billing page. Mostly these flags cause visible banners or other errors on these pages with concrete next steps / appeal links. You can also check the email address associated with your project for information on next steps.

    2. If your GCP project/ billing account is suspended, you must submit an appeal directly through the Google Cloud Console following the Project Suspension Guidelines (Help Center)