Yes, open access to anyone.
You will find that the Orcs in Zek hit VERY hard, more than normal. But it is a better place to exp with many locations of solo mobs.
Both zones are very fun and have a ton of quests. When you enter EF, go to the left down the beach (avoiding agro) and talk to the scarecrow, Sir Tatters, near the wall. He will give you a very easy quest for a very nice item. Also talk to the NPC under the pier for repeatable quests to kill nearby mobs.
There is a NPC in Zek near the gate that gives out a series of quests for a full set of nice armor. Also several HQ's involved here, along with EL.
I spent quite a bit of time in both zones gaining many levels.
Have fun!